Public Reception May 26, 5:30 - 7pm

Many outstanding examples of the work of Vernon Smith from the 30s to the 60s. You can see in his oil paintings of the 30s….so intent on nature and specific in place that you can recognize Orleans’ landmarks today.    His early representational work was dramatic in his use of perspective and flowing lines to define space.  His work evolved to become more abstract, yet still rooted in naturalist imagery as he used Cubist ideas in his paintings and geometric forms in his carved wood panels in relief. Smith was a Renaissance man who also used his distinctive style and skills to create functional art, such as tables and lamps.

He was also an influential regional director for the WPA’s Federal Art Project who mentored many well-known Cape artists.