CUMBERLAND, Md. – Ukrainian-American artist Andrei Kushnir has been selected for a solo exhibition featuring works from his forthcoming book, “My Maryland,” to be held at the prestigious C. William Gilchrist Gallery and Museum of the Arts in Cumberland, Md. The opening reception for the exhibit is on Sunday, August 10, from 5-7p.m., and the exhibit will run until September 1.
A resident of Maryland for 47 years, Mr. Kushnir has traveled broadly throughout his home state, creating on-site paintings documenting its every corner with his singular style. Over 50 of these works, capturing scenes ranging from Maryland’s eastern shore to the farthest points in Western Maryland, will be on display in the upcoming exhibit. Images of all the paintings in Mr. Kushnir’s collection will be the subject of his upcoming book, “My Maryland,” which will be issued by George F. Thompson Publishing.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new folks as well as longtime friends and collectors at the opening reception,” Mr. Kushnir said. “August is a beautiful time of year to visit Cumberland, Md., and it will be a lot of fun coming together with everyone for this event.”
Mr. Kushnir said that one of the overarching goals of his artistic career, in addition to capturing the beauty of American landscapes, is to help foster an ongoing appreciation between American and Ukrainian cultures.
“One of my main objectives as an artist is to actively participate in American culture so that a record is created through my paintings and books of American landscapes, [and] that a Ukrainian-American had a deep interest in this country,” Mr. Kushnir said.
Mr. Kushnir will also be the featured artist for the Cumberland Cultural Foundation’s annual gala on Saturday, August 24. The Gala will be held in the gallery’s back garden, and it will feature live music, food and a silent auction of a work created by Mr. Kushnir on site.
Upon first visiting the Gilchrist Museum, Mr. Kushnir said he was captivated by the historic building and its beautiful exhibition areas and welcoming grounds, not to mention the museum’s gracious and accommodating staff.
“I knew right away that the exhibition of Maryland paintings that I had been envisioning would look absolutely great there,” Mr. Kushnir said. “I’m overjoyed to be invited to show my work in such a beautiful and authentic Maryland venue!”
The C. William Gilchrist Gallery and Museum of the Arts is open Fridays to Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Eastern Time. The opening reception of My Maryland on August 10 will be held from 5-7 p.m. Eastern Time. More information about the gala and the museum can be found at https://cumberland-cultural-foundation.square.site/.
