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Albert Kresch, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, N.M., 1997, mixed media on paper, 14”x16”, Courtesy Salander-O’Reilley Galleries, New York.

Albert Kresch, Catskills Landscape, 1998, oil on panel, 10”x14”, Courtesy Salander-O’Reilley Galleries, New York.

Kresch, a first-generation New York School painter who began his formal studies with Hans Hofmann in the early 1940s, has worked with artists such as Nell Blaine, Judith Rothschild and Hyde Solomon. His influences include European modernism and other New York studio school artists.

“Experiencing Kresch’s small landscape paintings is inspirational,” said Martin DeWitt, director of WCU’s Fine Art Museum. “We are very excited to premiere in Western North Carolina his 24 small, jewel-like paintings, each possessing intensely strong chromatic color interaction.”

Organized originally by Wright State University Galleries in Dayton, Ohio, the exhibition, titled “Albert Kresch: Painting the Synthesis of Structure and Freedom,” will be open Tuesday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, March 3.

Kresch will present a lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday Feb. 8, with a reception for the artist following the talk. Museum hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and 1 until 4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free, with suggested donations of $5 per family and $3 per individual.

For more information about the exhibition, call Martin DeWitt or Hillary Brett, assistant curator, at (828) 227-3591.