LEHIGH VALLEY, PA.- An exhibit of early works by American artist Edward Hopper, one of only two such show’s outside New York City since 1982, will be held at eDavid Gallery, Bethlehem, PA, Saturday, July 21, Sunday, July 22, and Thursday, July 26 to Sunday, July 29. The studies, sketches and illustrations have been in private collections since Hopper’s death in 1967.

The show in Nynack, New York, where Hopper was born, will commemorate the 125th anniversary of Hopper's birth, July 22, 1882. By the time Hopper was 10 years old, he was signing and dating small sketches, and upon graduation from high school, he enrolled at the Correspondence School of Illustrating in New York City. The following year, he enrolled at the Chase School, working under Robert Henri, one of the fathers of American realism.

Initially, Hopper earned his living in the commercial field, working in various media, including pen and ink, pencil, crayon and charcoal illustrations and advertisements. He sold his first painting in 1923 at the age of 41. His talent as a painter was largely unrecognized until the 1930's. In 1942, he completed "Nighthawks," which is in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Many recognize "Nighthawks" for its depiction of desolate figures at a lunch counter in the tough, brightly lit oasis of an all-night diner.

Upon his death in 1967, he bequeathed more than 2500 of his works to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City (current estimated value of $10 billion dollars). In November 2006, actor Steve Martin sold Hopper's "Hotel Window" at Sotheby's in New York City for more than $26 million dollars.

At eDavid Gallery, 28 early works by Edward Hopper will be will be available to view and purchase Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 from 4 p.m. to 8:00 P. M. Reservations are required for the private viewing, by either calling the gallery at 610-814-0369 or email edavidgallery@verizon.net. Reservations are not required for the closing days of the show, Thursday, July 26th through Sunday, July 29th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit www.eDavidgallery.com.