Nineteenth-century artist Fanny Palmer was an overlooked pioneer of American lithography who created hundreds of prints for the legendary Victorian printmakers Currier and Ives, capturing scenes of everyday life and rural landscapes. 

Presented in collaboration with Moonriver Interiors and the Narrowsburg Union from now until December 30—American Seasons: The Art of Fanny Palmer features original Palmer lithographs from the 1850s and 1860s, everyday artifacts showing how her art endured in daily life, and a winter village installation inspired by her drawings of New York’s rolling hills, farms and streams.  

Exhibition curator and local filmmaker Tina Spangler first connected with Moonriver Interiors owner Celeste Evans about a year ago over a mutual appreciation of Palmer’s work. Proceeds from sales will support the completion of Spangler’s upcoming documentary about Palmer. Promoting the hidden artist behind such iconic lithographs was important to both women. “It’s a fascinating story how much she produced for Currier and Ives without really getting any acclaim at the time…until maybe now,” says Evans. 

“The more I dug into her, the more I felt like she was sort of a kindred spirit,” says Spangler. “She was this independent maker who moved to New York and made a career out of her passion and just felt very modern in a way.” 

Spangler’s personal collection of around a dozen original lithographs is on display in the exhibit, alongside charming holiday gifts in the theme of the show. “Fanny Palmer’s work really does emphasize the seasons, and she’s beloved for her winter scenes, in particular,” says Spangler. “She just has kind of a cozy feel to her prints that seemed right for this time of year. To me, it just feels like home when I see her works.” 

Evans agrees. “There’s so much nostalgia wrapped up in it,” she said.

A special reception will be held on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring remarks by Spangler, who will discuss Palmer’s art and influence and screen a sneak peek from her non-fiction film she plans to finish in 2026.  

Once the film is done, she hopes to show it at local film festivals as well as historical sites such as the Thomas Cole Historic Site in Catskill, New York and the New York Historical Society. “I’ve just been so immersed in it for years now,” says Spangler, “It’s fun to kind of put it out to the world and get a bigger perspective on it.”

Evans hopes this is the first of many collaborations in the future. “Collaborating with Tina on this exhibit is a dream come true—to both help educate people on an overlooked chapter in art history and bring the timeless pieces into the present for the community.”

The exhibit runs through December 30th at Moonriver Interiors, 7 Erie Ave in Narrowsburg. (Open Friday 11–4, Saturday 10–4, Sunday 10–2, Mon & Tues 11–4).