The Oil Painters of America enthusiastically returns to the Dana Gallery in scenic Missoula , Montana for its 17th National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, May 2 – June 14, 2008 . Artists, collectors and art enthusiasts will find an unparalleled collection of traditional oil paintings representative of the high quality of work being produced by professional oil painters today. Over two hundred pieces will be offered for sale over the course of the exhibition starting on Friday evening, May 2, 2008.

To kick-off the opening weekend, OPA will host a series of events for artists and collectors beginning with a 3-hour demonstration on Friday morning by this year’s Juror of Awards and Master Signature painter, Ramon Kelley. Mr. Kelley’s especially known for his sensitive character studies and can be found in many of the country’s finest private and public collections including the Seattle Frye Museum and the Santa Fe Museum of Fine Art. In addition to painting, Mr. Kelley is a world class teacher. His work has been featured in 15 art magazines and in two books including his latest: The 5 Essentials in Every Powerful Painting.

OPA is also pleased to have Peter Trippi, Editor of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, and formerly the Director of the Dahesh Museum of Art in New York City, speak on British painter J.W. Waterhouse R.A. Mr. Trippi has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable experts on Waterhouse. His 250 – page biography of the painter has sold more than 38,000 copies.

Alyson B. Stanfield, founder of the popular ArtBizCoach.com will be presenting two sessions during this year’s program: “Get Comfortable Promoting Your Art: Easy Steps that Make a Difference,” and “How to use Email, Websites, and Blogs to Amplify Your Online Presence.” Drawing from her years of experience as an art museum curator and educator, Ms. Stanfield has created a highly successful business advising artists on a number of ways to promote and build their businesses. She is a regular contributor to Art Business News and writes the free, weekly Art Marketing Action newsletter.

OPA member Johnnie Liliedahl, author of “Photo-Imaging for Painters,” will present a workshop on “Digital Photography for Artists.”

This year, internationally recognized Master Signature painters participating include: Peter Adams, Thomas S. Buechner, Nancy S. Crookston, Daniel E. Greene, Albert Handell, David Hettinger, Doug Higgins, Ramon Kelley, Steven Lang, Jeff Legg, Calvin Liang, Huihan Liu, Kevin Macpherson, Paul Mullally , C.W. Mundy, Neil Patterson, Joyce Pike, Joan Potter, William F. Reese, Zhiwei Tu, and Jeffrey Watts.

OPA is proud to announce that William T. Chambers has been selected to join this prestigious group of artists. Mr. Chamber’s is widely known for his portraits which reflect his background as an award-winning illustrator and demonstrates his ability to capture the unique personalities of his subjects. His official commissions include that of four-term Illinois Governor James R. Thompson and two-term Governor Jim Edgar. Among other notable dignitaries in his portfolio - former Northwestern University Presidents Robert Strotz and Arnold Weber; Martin Fienstein, the former director of the Washington Opera; Former Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, as well as numerous CEO's and Fortune 500 corporate figures.