One of Diane Overmyer’s paintings of Sandhill Cranes.

By Darla McCammon

KOSCIUSKO — Not many artists can claim their work to be in the collection of a President of the United States. Diane Overmyer had this distinction when her work was added to the collection of President Barack and Michelle Obama.  Overmyer’s other achievements take up over three pages of listings that include the Hoosier Salon awards, Midwest Museum of American Art, Indiana State House for Hoosier Women Artists, many purchase awards, Leeper Park Art Fair and South Bend Museum of Art along with a healthy listing of private collectors and galleries.

Overmyer was educated at Indiana University South Bend. She was fortunate to find a mentor in Alan Larkin who was the fine art department head. Other instructors enhanced her talent with additional education in both painting and sculpting. Another opportunity presented itself as she learned about Plein Air painting. She took a Plein Air workshop under the tutelage of Robert Eberle. (You will remember that Plein Air was begun with many of the impressionists and simply means the artist paints outdoors at the scene they wish to capture). Overmyer adapted quickly to this new knowledge. It impacted her artistic style tremendously and she began utilizing that knowledge to improve and modify her technique.

For over four years Overmyer operated Sycamore Fine Arts business in the Old Bag Factory in Goshen. She represented not only herself but 70 other artisans and craftspeople. Although very successful, she found herself spending more time as a business person and less and less as a fine artist. The decision came as she realized she needed to make a choice for her future. She chose art. The business closed and Overmyer returned to her love and has proved her great ability in art with innumerable awards. Her work is now in over two hundred collections. She continues with Plein Air Painting but also works in her studio to complete many of her popular pieces.

Overmyer has said, “Art sparks the imagination and teaches the soul.” The photo above of two sandhill cranes certainly represents that quote.

Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery is happy to welcome this talented artist to our growing list of successful and talented artists that have adorned its walls with wonderful art. Her exhibit will open Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the beautiful City Hall Art Gallery in downtown Warsaw. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The exhibit will be up through Oct. 31.

Stay tuned this month for another great exhibit at Lakeland Art Association. We will cover detail about Robert Hudson, (who will open Sept. 4) in our very next column. You won’t want to miss this talented artist turned author! Book signing and reception are from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7  Lakeland is located at 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw.

Upcoming Events:

• Warsaw City Hall Gallery – Diane Overmyer.  Open through Oct. 31.
• Lakeland Art Gallery, Robert Hudson exhibit Sept. 4 through Aug. 31.
• Gallery at Rua, Warsaw. featuring Steve Sult. Clever digital art posters with “Sitting on the Fence” collection. Now through Sept. 18.