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Waiting (Florence, Italy) Accepted into the 27th Annual American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibition
6/5/2026 1:16:36 PM
by Keiko Tanabe - Comment on this
I am honored to share that my painting, "Waiting (Florence, Italy)," has been accepted into the 27th Annual National Juried Exhibition of the American Impressionist Society.
The exhibition will be held from September 4 through October 3, 2026, at the Mockingbird Gallery in Bend, Oregon, with the opening reception taking place on September 4.
This year's exhibition was juried by the panel of AIS signature members and I am deeply grateful for this recognition.
The exhibition will feature 180 artworks created by some of the nation's finest impressionist artists. According to the American Impressionist Society, 1,550 entries were submitted for jury consideration, making this year's exhibition especially competitive. I am humbled that my entry was chosen for inclusion among this outstanding collection of work.
"Waiting (Florence, Italy)" was inspired by a busy square in the heart of Florence. A couple of horse-drawn carriages stood quietly while their drivers chatted and waited for customers. As sunlight streamed into the square, the horses cast intriguing shadows across the pavement. In the background, the historic buildings displayed dramatic cast shadows of their own, creating an interplay of light and dark that felt almost conversational - as though the buildings themselves were engaged in dialogue.
Around them, the sounds of everyday life filled the air. Conversations drifted from the crowd, blending with the rhythm of the city and creating a rich tapestry of human activity. What captivated me most was not a grand event or famous landmark, but a fleeting moment of ordinary life - a scene that has likely unfolded countless times in this remarkable Renaissance city.
As an artist, I am continually drawn to these quiet narratives that emerge from the interaction of light, shadow, and people. Through this painting, I hoped to capture not only the visual beauty of Florence but also the atmosphere and stories that animate its streets.
I am grateful to the American Impressionist Society, the exhibition organizers, and juror Calvin Liang for this opportunity. I look forward to sharing the painting with visitors to the exhibition this fall.
For those who are able to visit Bend during the exhibition, I hope you'll have an opportunity to see the painting in person. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of my artistic journey.

