Art Museum exhibit celebrates perspective of 20th-century Ohio artist

An upcoming Cincinnati Art Museum exhibit will provide a glimpse into everyday life in 20th-century America from the perspective of celebrated Ohio painter, illustrator and printmaker George Bellows.

Opening on Oct. 25, “George Bellows: American Life in Print” will feature dozens of lithographs and drawings gifted and lent by Dr. James and Mrs. Lois Sanitato as well as other works.

Bellows, who was born in Columbus in 1882, was well known for his works’ social realism, according to Kristin Spangenberg, CAM’s curator of prints. An example is his scenes of boxers in the ring. Four of these works will be in the exhibition, along with intimate studies of his family and friends, snapshots of American life, a look at the impact of World War I and more.

The exhibition, which will be free to attend, aims to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bellows’ passing. It will be on display through Feb. 9, 2025.

“As an artist lithographer, Bellows transformed topical subjects into fine art,” Spangenberg said. “He advocated for lithography at a time when it was stigmatized as a commercial medium, capturing the spirit of the times with themes that were undeniably American.”

A survey of American life through Bellows’ eyes

“George Bellows: American Life in Print” will be accompanied by a 184-page, illustrated catalog published by Giles Ltd. It features two essays, including “Bellows, Advocate for Lithography,” an in-depth examination of 66 lithographs and drawings. A second essay, “Bellows and the ‘Art Palace of the West,’” focuses on his long-term relationship with the Cincinnati Art Museum and its annual exhibition of American art. 

No tickets are required for this exhibition. It’s also free to attend. CAM is also hosting a series of related events:

• Members opening, Thursday, Oct. 25: 5 to 7 p.m. Members are invited to view the exhibition before it opens to the public. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar in the Great Hall. Please check in at the Visitors Services desk.

• CAM Presents: Gallery Talk Plus, Thursday, Oct. 24: Two sessions at 6 and 7 p.m. Free for members, $20 general public, $5 students. Registration required. Limited tickets available.

• CAM Kids Day: Prints, Drawings, and People, Saturday, Nov. 2: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be members-only programming from 10 to 11 a.m.

• Create Plus: Pronto Plate Lithography, Thursday, Dec. 14: 1 to 4 p.m. $20 members, $30 general public. Registration required.

Registration for programs will open one month in advance. The event program and schedule are subject to change so make sure to view the CAM website ahead of your visit.

Cincinnati Art Museum