​Born and raised in Lebanon, Ohio where my family were some of the earliest settlers, I was introduced to art and history at an early age by my mother and elementary school teachers. Those early influences set me on a life long path exploring the beauty of nature and local history. I was that child who always needed to know “why?”
 
I attended Lebanon schools K thru 12 and graduated from Lebanon High School. Early teachers who influenced me were, Louise Stiles, Agnes Marts and Billie Runyan. My major in high school was art, studying with Rosemary and Gene Chute.  I continued at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio majoring in Fine Art and Art Education, graduating with a BS in Art Education.   Additional coursework included: Business, Economics, Law, Real Estate and Interior Design.
 
Art became my hobby over the years that I worked in retail and business, but I returned to creating again in 1996, studying with Elmer Ruff of Cincinnati. In 2008 I returned to work at Warren County JFS retiring in 2014. I returned to volunteering with the Warren County Historical Society, Harmon Museum in 2018 working in the Art Curatorial and Conservation department.

​-Bio written by Sylvia Outland

ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Sylvia Thompson Outland
 
            Inspired by color, line and form, I try to convey the beauty, personality and mood of each of my subjects. I love to garden, and am drawn to nature and like to capture the subject’s inner spirit as well as the mood of that particular moment. I feel a connection to my subjects and enjoy bringing out individual qualities, whether it is in a building, still life or landscape.  Having lived in Lebanon and Warren County most of my life I feel a deep connection with the area and its history.
 
My work is constantly evolving as I look for new ways to express my ideas.  The large variety of methods and materials available continues to challenge and expand my creativity. Each medium has its own characteristics and the subjects of my work and ideas I want to convey will usually dictate the medium I use.  I am constantly working and studying to expand my range of technical experience. I find that each work takes on a life of its own. 
 
This exhibition is made up of some of my favorite works done over the last 20 years.  Recently, I’ve been working with line and color, as shown in my “Hosta’s Gone Wild” and “Graphics” series and flowers in quick color sketches. My earlier work centers around my “Vanishing Landscape” series of pictures of old barns and buildings as well as still life studies.
 
My current work is more experimental using new ideas and different techniques letting serendipity dictate the design.  I still most enjoy the mediums of pencil and pen because, when working with them, I find a calmness and peace.
 
Inspired by my Grandmother and parents, my love of nature and history continues to this day as a great source of inspiration for my work. An early exposure to fine craftsmanship and building design has inspired my love of old barns, architecture and fine art crafts.
 
The mediums used in the works in this exhibition are oil/acrylic, watercolor, color and graphite pencils, India ink in black and color markers.
 
Work held in Private & Corporate Collections including:
The Harmon Museum, Warren County Historical Society, Lebanon, Ohio
Lebanon Citizens National Bank, Lebanon, Ohio
GMI Companies, Lebanon, Ohio
Butler County Republican Party
Warren County, Ohio government

Sylvia's show will be held from April 30, 2021 to June 5, 2021 at Harmon Museum