Hugh Lifson, professor of art emeritus at Cornell College, will be the featured exhibit in the Abbe Creek Gallery from February 3-28, 2026.

Lifson’s exhibit “Brambles” is a collection of paintings and mixed media inspired by a statement by a Ukrainian soldier who was suffering on the front lines while helping to defend his homeland. The soldier said “Put an earthen wall around it. Let the brambles grow. That’s it.”

Lifson noted, “this soldier’s succinct observation says it all, I believe.”

The artist reception be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 pm in the gallery. Professor Lifson will offer an artist talk at 2:45pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibit will feature 12 paintings and 12 ink and graphic drawings. Some paintings will feature Lifson’s signature style of plastic wrap.

The exhibit will range from smaller, concise pieces to larger paintings. Additional information will be provided by the artist.

Lifson began his teaching career at Cornell College in 1963 until his retirement after about four decades of instruction to hundreds of students.

Campagna was the sole calendar photographer from 1994 through 2011. His solo role ended when he temporarily moved away from Mount Vernon to Colorado.

Born in New York, Lifson’s early art education was under the tutelage of Irving Marantz where he studied in the way the Renaissance students learned. He also studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture where he learned Fresco painting and the materials and techniques of oil painting.

His academic education was at the University of Wisconsin, Wesleyan University, where he received his A.B. degree, and Indiana University and Pratt Institute where he obtained his M.F.A.

He taught at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art, and Lemoyne College before coming to Cornell College.

“Brambles”

A painting exhibit by Hugh Lifson at the Abbe Creek Gallery

Opening Saturday Feb. 7, 2-4 p.m.

Artist Talk 2:45 p.m. February 7

Exhibit runs: February 3-28, 2026

Contact: Bob Campagna, co-owner, Abbe Creek Gallery