The James L. Russell

Wonderland Way CollectionPaul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center

The First TenInstalled November 20, 2014

James L. Russell (1872–1937), a New Albany artist, opened his Art Shop in 1906 and created an influential gathering place for regional artists during a time that preceded World War I and continued into the 1930s. Inspired by a stretch of scenic auto roads from Cincinnati, Ohio to Mount Vernon, Illinois known as the “Wonderland Way,” the artists adopted this name for their Art Club. After meeting at Russell’s Art Shop, the self-titled Wonderland Way artists would travel to scenic locations in the region and paint en plein air, a French expression which means “in the open air.”

Grover Page, Jr., a former member of the Wonderland Way Art Club, wrote, “James L. Russell was not only a significant ‘Depression artist’ of the ‘30s, he was the kindest and most gentle person I ever knew. He was the favorite artist of everyone in New Albany and the surrounding and distant areas. In 1931, at the age of thirteen, I became a regular among local artists and art lovers who frequented Jim’s Art Shop on Market Street. Jim started the Wonderland Way Art Club for any artist in the area who wanted to study and discuss art.”

Kathy Russell Smith, granddaughter of James L. Russell, and her husband, Don Smith, are proud to present these first pieces of art as part of a permanent collection of works. Kathy and Don have personally spearheaded efforts to make the James L. Russell Wonderland Way Collection a reality. Through the Smiths’ generosity, this collection preserves the history and heritage of the art of our region, and they encourage others to follow their lead.

The Wonderland Way Art Club included more the 300 artists. In addition to James L. Russell’s works, some of the Wonderland Way artists you will see represented in the collection include John T. Bauscher, Orville Carroll, William Hancock, Grover Page, and Russell’s son, James J. Russell.

The following ten paintings are the first to be installed at the Ogle Center and are currently on display. When completed, it will be the largest permanent collection of Wonderland Way artists in the world and will consist of well over 100 works of art.

www.ius.edu/wonderland-way

Katherine BullietFog Over Chicago, 1931Oil on canvas

John T. BauscherCovered Bridge Over Kentucky River, 1930Oil on canvas

James L. RussellField and Sky in the Knobs, 1927Oil on board

Orville CarrollFrom Beeler Point in Silver Hills, 1964Oil on canvas

James L. RussellElizabeth, Indiana, 1934Oil on canvas

James L. RussellAutumn Beeches, 1937Pastel

James L. RussellZinnias in a Blue Vase, 1931Pastel on paper

James J. RussellThe Snake Charmer, 1930Oil on canvas

Ferdinand Graham WalkerChristina Brenner Portrait, 1921Oil on canvas

James J. RussellMale Figurative, 1933Oil on canvas

Indiana University SoutheastPaul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center4201 Grant Line RoadNew Albany, IN 47150 (812) 941-2266

Indiana University SoutheastOffice of Development4201 Grant Line RoadNew Albany, IN 47150 (812) 941-2464

www.oglecenter.com