Fred Wagner was a prolific Pennsylvania Impressionist who was well-regarded during his lifetime and is being recognized once again thanks to Cyndy Drue and Susan Brendlinger Smith. The two sisters wrote a book about their great-grand uncle and curated the exhibition that's currently on view at the Philadelphia Sketch Club through November 13.
Walter Robinson, an artist, and editor at Artnet magazine, is also a family member who came to enjoy the works and see his cousin Susan, who is pictured with him here. The top image is a detail from a striking painting of Pittsburgh, PA in the late 30's.
During the well attended reception a number of family members shared their stories. I am sure all the artists in attendance reflected on the fate of their own work when they're gone, hoping to have people who cared enough to keep their art alive.
