Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is known for its rich Amish and Mennonite cultures, delicious baked goods, and the bustling Lancaster Central Market. But tucked away in this maelstrom of activity, there is an oasis of fine art and beautiful architecture: the Demuth Museum. Located in the home and former studio of Charles Demuth, the Demuth Museum is a gem of Lancaster and PA in general. Through these walls, visitors can explore the works of the 20th-century painter, experience the world around him and see how his work has influenced the art of today. Charles Demuth was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1883. While still in high school, Demuth’s talent for painting was obvious, and he began studying at the Drexel Institute of Art in Philadelphia. In 1909, Demuth moved to New York, where he was exposed to modern abstract painting through the Armory Show. After Demuth returned to Lancaster in 1933, he became a master at portraying his hometown and the region in its beauty and complexity. Information concerning Lancaster, PA can be discovered here.
At the Demuth Museum, visitors can explore the work of the master painter. The permanent collection includes Demuth’s watercolors, oils, drawings, and photographs, including many of his well-known paintings of Amish and Mennonite life in Lancaster. Indeed, Demuth’s works have been called an invaluable visual documentation of life in Lancaster during the early 20th century. One particular Demuth piece entitled “The Artist in His Studio” graces the museum’s entrance. In this painting, Demuth gives visitors a sense of what it was like to work in his former home and studio. See here for information about The Ware Center: A Milestone of Millersville University, Lancaster, PA.