March 14,2007  -- "The Art of Martin Hardie: Prints and Drawings from the Collection," on exhibit at the University of Virginia Art Museum from March 28 through May 23, explores drawings, etchings, and drypoints created by the English artist Martin Hardie (1875-1952). Hardie was a scholar, curator and writer on art and head of the Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Recognized by critics for his dramatic drypoints, original design and composition, depiction of nature and innovative use of empty space, Hardie was influenced by the English Etching Revival and etchers of the World War I and World War II generations, who strived to create an appreciation for etching in its own right, beyond book illustrations and reproductions of paintings. Hardie, his teacher, Frank Short, and others like D.Y. Cameron promoted beauty, delicacy, the power of the line and the act of directly depicting nature. "The Art of Martin Hardie: Prints and Drawings from the Collection" features works given to the museum by Violette Lang, the widow of U.Va. English professor Cecil Lange.

Guest curator Stephen Margulies will give a gallery talk on March 30 at 5 p.m. before the museum’s Final Friday reception, which runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday, April 14 from 1 to 3 p.m., the museum will hold a Family Art JAM, "Exploring Printmaking."

The museum is open to the public free of charge Tuesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor parking is available on Bayly Drive, off Rugby Road. 

For more information call (434) 924-3592 or visit the museum Web site at www.virginia.edu/artmuseum.

Related events:

March 30, 5 p.m.
Gallery Talk by Stephen Margulies

March 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Final Friday Reception

April 14, 1to 3 p.m.
Family Art JAM: Exploring Printmaking