Albrechtsen to be Great Plains Art Museum artist-in-residence April 22-27

Michael Albrechtsen of Olathe, Kan., will be the 2008 Elizabeth Rubendall artist-in-residence April 22-27 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Great Plains Art Museum. During his residency, Albrechtsen will create two original oil paintings of the nearby Nebraska landscape based on site visits and photographs taken by the artist. Both paintings will become part of the museum's permanent collection.

"It is an honor to be selected as the 2008 Elizabeth Rubendall artist-in-residence at the Great Plains Art Museum, and to be in the company of previous resident artists like Andrew Peters and Del and Martha Pettigrew," Albrechtsen said. "I get a similar opportunity each year in my workshops, and once I get over my initial nervousness, I really enjoy showing a little bit of how one of my paintings takes shape. It is always a lot of fun to have someone watch you paint for a limited time, and then attend an exhibition of the finished painting. They can see the emotions you were trying to create. An opportunity like this allows me to enjoy two of my favorite things: meeting new people and painting."

The public is welcome to observe and interact with the artist while he works. Albrechtsen will be painting from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., April 22-26 and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 27. Groups may arrange tours by contacting museum curator Amber Mohr at (402) 472-0599 or by e-mail. Examples of Albrechtsen's work are available at http://michaelalbrechtsen.com.

This is the second year that the artist-in-residence program has been supported by the Elizabeth Rubendall Foundation Artist-in-Residence Program Fund. "This is a phenomenal program that the Elizabeth Rubendall Foundation has allowed us to present," said James Stubbendieck, director of UNL's Center for Great Plains Studies. "We receive such wonderful comments from visitors and school groups who observe the residency. It is an exceptional experience for the artist and the audience to share in the art-making process."

"We are extremely happy that Michael Albrechtsen will be our Artist-in-Residence," said Amber Mohr, curator of the museum. "His landscape paintings have the tranquility and luminousness that resembles the work of masters like Albert Bierstadt. His distinctive method for arranging elements and achieving such beautiful translucency will be extremely interesting to observe. Engaging people with the process of artwork rather than just the product of a finished painting is so fundamental to understanding and appreciating art. We're glad the Elizabeth Rubendall Foundation recognizes how important this is."

The Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St., Hewit Place, is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:30-5 p.m. Sundays (closed Mondays, holiday weekends and between exhibitions). There is no admission charge. For more information, telephone (402) 472-6220, e-mail gpac2@unl.edu or visit www.unl.edu/plains/gallery/gallery.shtml.

The link below is to an example of Michael Albrechtsen's work. It is "Strength in Numbers," oil on canvas, 22 inches by 28 inches.