CURRENT EXHIBITION

“A LYRICAL JOURNEY”

July 3 – August 30 (Opening Reception: Friday, July 17, from 5-8pm)

“A Lyrical Journey” is a retrospective exhibition for prominent artist, writer, and dedicated leader Carrie Wissler-Thomas. With an art career spanning over five decades, her involvement in the arts goes beyond what is achievable. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Hood College, and a master’s degree from Temple University. She and her husband Scott moved to Harrisburg in 1972, and in 1980 she was elected as president of the Art Association Board of Directors. In 1986 she was hired as Executive Director/President, a position she has held until her planned retirement this fall.

Her Honours Paper at Hood College was on “Lyricism in Minoan Art,” and that lyricism has flowed through all her 800 plus paintings throughout her career – hence the title of her retrospective exhibition.

Her entire oeuvre leads in an expressionistic oil style with her signature undulating lines and folds that appear present in both landscapes and figurative works. Many of her landscapes capture the beauty and simplicity of her surroundings during her travels to Scotland, France, and Spain, as well as scenes closer to home along the Susquehanna River, while her figurative works were created in the expressionist painting class taught by beloved artist and curator “Li” Hidley. In addition, she has participated in over 35 solo exhibitions and was featured in multiple groups shows throughout the region. Her paintings are included in numerous private collections in the US and Britain.

This retrospective exhibition honors her artistic legacy and impressive achievements today, standing as an exceptional artist and leader of the Art Association of Harrisburg.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION

“LEGENDARY & HISTORICAL”

September 5 – October 8 (Opening Reception: Sunday, September 13, Noon to 5pm during Gallery Walk)

“Legendary and Historical” will be the theme for our 2026 Fall Membership Exhibition in honor of our 100th year anniversary. Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme however they find suitable. It can be a legendary artist/athlete, historical building, acclaimed novel, etc., that falls within this category. You can be imaginative as possible!  1st and 2nd place awards will be given in six different categories including Oils/Acrylics, Sculpture/Ceramics, Watercolor, Photography, Works on Paper, Other Media, and Best of Show. 

Judge Hong Huo (left) was born in Beijing in 1994 and has been living and studying in the U.S. since 2011. Huo received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Kinetic Imaging from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in the 4D area from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, she is the Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Digital Media at Messiah University. 

Intake will occur between August 16-30 during gallery hours.
Artwork will only be accepted by those with a valid AAH membership.

2026 EXTENDED SCHEDULE

(Last updated 7-15-26)