The Secessionists vs The Cleveland Society of Artists

From the permanent collection of ARTneo, Oppositions explores the contrasting styles of two prominent Cleveland artist groups in the early twentieth century. Portraits, still life, and landscapes illustrate the difference between the avant-garde and traditional approaches to creating art. The rivaling groups were formed to both challenge and uphold artistic traditions.
 
The Secessionists, established in 1911, included Henry Keller, William Sommer, and Abel Warshawsky who embraced European modernist ideas. Countering the wild aesthetics of the Secessionists was the Cleveland Society of Artists founded in 1913, which included George Adomeit, Ora Coltman, and William Edmonson, who felt strongly about upholding traditional values and good craftsmanship.

This exhibition was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ohio Shelter-In-Place order. It was opened to the public June, 19.

Virtual curator’s talk: