| The Artist Adelee Wendel (1898-1990) Adelee Bowden Wendel, painter, and teacher, was born in 1898 in Maverick, Texas and married Paul Wendel. She received her art training at the South West Texas State Teachers College, the University of Texas, and the San Antonio Academy of Arts. She was known best for her landscape and still life paintings. Before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana she taught art in Texas and New Jersey and was a Methodist missionary in Mexico and Cuba. After moving to Indianapolis she became director of the Wendel School of Art in Indianapolis and founded the East Side Art Center in 1951 which began as a painting venue for local homemakers but which grew to an average enrollment of 150 students each semester. For most of its 27 years, the East Side Art Center was located at 10th and Rural in Indianapolis. Mrs. Wendel was an organizer of the Indiana Artists Guild and staged the “Mile of Art Festival”, the country’s first shopping center art festival, at the Eastgate Shopping Center. She exhibited widely at many local art exhibitions including the Hoosier Salon from 1950-1965, the Witte Museum in San Antonio, the New Jersey Art League, Art Center of the Oranges in Orange, NJ, the Indianapolis Artists Center, Indiana University, and the Women’s Department Club. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Wilking Music Company of Indianapolis and Indiana University. She died August 15, 1990 in Casselberry, FL. Information provided by Kent VanTyleSources: Newton and Weiss, A Grand Tradition: the art and artists of the Hoosier Salon, 1925-1990. Hoosier Salon Patrons Association, 1993.Adelee Wendel obituary, Indianapolis Star, August 31, 1990. The Painting This painting is believed to be one of Adelle Wendel’s early works – making it very rare. It has aged gracefully showing signs of classic checking. This does not detract at all from the painting and actually adds to the classic vintage beauty! Showing similar signs of aging, the solid wood frame sets off the painting in harmonious style. This painting will easily become a cherished addition for any collector. It can easily become the classic centerpiece of your living room, study or bedroom |