Deb Hoeffner wins The Art of Oscar exhibition

Bucks County artist Deb Hoeffner was the “Oscar” winner when her painting “An Elephant’s Eye” was awarded first place in The Art of Oscar exhibition sponsored by The Oscar Hammerstein Museum & Theatre Education Center and the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County.

The juror for the May 16 to 18 show, Patricia Hutton of Patricia Hutton Galleries in Doylestown, wrote these words to describe the painting: “The corn is as high as an elephant’s eye. These words from ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’ from the musical ‘Oklahoma’ are often quoted, even by those not familiar with musical theater.

“The simile becomes literal in this wonderful animal portrait of this gentle giant. A clever tribute which balances the grandeur of the beautiful beast and his intent eyes, with the light-hearted message of the song. There is something poignant in the face of the elephant and yet there is whimsy too. The beautifully rendered elephant speaks to our compassion and his chirping friends sing a joyful tune.”

The special event was held at Highland Farm in Doylestown, the original home of Oscar Hammerstein. It was part of an ongoing effort to preserve and celebrate the legacy of this Bucks County treasure. Information can be found at hammersteincenter.org.