Originating in the first half of the 19th C, the Hudson River School celebrated the majestic beauty and wilderness of the Hudson Valley, and in doing so established the first true tradition of landscape painting in the United States. Recognized as the founder of the Hudson River School, and also one of its finest artists, Thomas Cole is credited with making landscape painting acceptable subjects for serious painters. Cole viewed this as a tool to inspire his countrymen to love and protect nature as he did.
A retired secondary and college Art Educator, Laura Nicholls continues her passion for teaching ‘Life Long Learners’ by developing and presenting Art History topic talks at the Desmond Center for Community Enrichment as well as several local libraries and community centers.