Ed Maier hasn't been to the Everson museum in 20 years, but he couldn't resist checking out the Turner to Cezanne exhibit. Ed says, "This is something you don't see. You rarely see. I've been to different museums in New York City and this exhibit here is pretty rare."
Ed and more than 50,000 others have visited the Everson since the Turner to Cezanne exhibit opened in October. The viewing ends on Sunday and for many who braved the snow and chilly temperatures to wait in line for more than 2 hours, they say it was worth the wait to see works from impressionist artists like Monet, Van Gogh and Turner.
When the Everson opened early Friday afternoon, there were more than 500 people waiting to get inside. By 3:00 PM, more than 1200 passed through the doors. Museum officials say now they are trying to build on the momentum of the exhibit. Director Steven Kern says, "We're on their radar and now I think by being persistent and getting the word out about what we're doing, we will keep that momentum. We have another exhibit of broad public appeal coming this April to July, Maxfield Parrish, one of the great illustrators of the 20th century."
For many who visited, they say they'll be there to check it out. Karen Harrison says, "It really shows us that Syracuse likes art as much as New York City or Washington DC. Just give us something worth seeing and we will be out to support it."
Museum officials say they partially rely on fund-raising for their budget, and with numbers like these, it will certainly help bring more like Turner to Cezanne to the museum.
The exhibit ends on Sunday, January 3rd. Tickets are $15.00 a piece but there are discounts if you go. The Everson is open from 9 am to 6 pm both Saturday and Sunday.
