The Fort Wayne Six

August 18 – November 25, 2007

Click here for FWMoA Podcast for this exhibition

The focus of this exhibition by six teachers defines the impact that the Fort Wayne community is lucky enough to have had over a period of 45 years. Their paintings show their personal approach to art. Their dedication to teaching (a total of 206 years and continuing) provides a legacy to three or more generations of artists, students and collectors.

The six painters included in the exhibition are Norman Bradley, George McCullough, Russell L. Oettel, Donald Kruse from the former Fort Wayne Art School (now IPFW) and Rick Cartwright and Maurice Papier from Saint Francis College (now The University of Saint Francis).

Through all of their years of teaching, these six artists achieved the difficult balance between work as an artist and as an educator. While it is impossible to accurately show the magnitude of the artists’ influence as teachers, this exhibition brings to the forefront the richness and diversity of their art forms and ideas. On display are recent paintings by Bradley, mixed media works by Cartwright, prints and drawings by Kruse, and mixed media paintings by Papier. A range of significant older paintings by McCullough and Oettel are featured as well as McCullough’s final painting.

The Fort Wayne Six is accompanied by an exhibition catalogue and has been guest-curated by Betty G. Fishman.

Norman Bradley Wind and Water 2006, Oil on canvas

Rick Cartwright Dying 1999, Mixed media

Russell L. Oettel The Fisherman 1954, Oil on canvas