Winifred, The Artist
Winifred Brady Adams, wife of well-known Hoosier Group artist J. Ottis Adams and a fine artist herself, is stepping front and center in an upcoming exhibition at the David Owsley Museum of Art at Ball State. The exhibition titled Impressions of Love: J. Ottis and Winifred Brady Adams, a Ball State University Centennial Exhibition will feature an almost equal number of paintings by the husband and wife artists.
Why am I excited about this exhibition at another museum? Well first, of course, it will be a wonderful exhibition of paintings by two outstanding artists with Muncie connections. Second, Minnetrista is loaning eight paintings from the Minnetrista Heritage Collection – four by J. Ottis and four by Winifred and several objects that Winifred used in her still life paintings, including a large copper basin, candlesticks, a copper plate, and mother-of-pearl handled fruit knife. Several photos of Winifred, J. Ottis, and their three sons will be included in the exhibition catalog.
Winifred Brady, born in Muncie on May 8, 1871, was the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Brady and Emeline Wolfe Brady. Her sister Elizabeth was the wife of Frank C. Ball. Thomas Brady had a varied career including service during the Civil War and as Second Assistant Postmaster General. Winifred’s maternal grandfather was a successful businessman and her maternal grandfather was the first mayor of Muncie. The family’s prominence and resources allowed Winifred the opportunity to travel and to study art with nationally known artists. In addition to studying with her future husband, Winifred also studied at Drexel Institute in Philadelphia and at the Art Students League of New York.
Stop by the David Owsley Museum of Art sometime between January 24 and May 19, 2019 to see Minnetrista’s paintings and many more.
One more thing – please join us at Minnetrista on February 13 when Shaun Dingwerth, Director of the Richmond Art Museum and curator of the DOMA exhibition, will talk about “The Adams, a Family Legacy in Art” at Tea and Talk.“
Bittersweet with Copper and Brass" by Winifred Brady Adams
Candlestick used in several of Winifred’s painting.
Untitled still life" by Winifred Brady Adams
“Portrait of Winifred” by J. Ottis Adams
Winifred Brady Adams, J. Ottis Adams and their sons.
