Also, Anderson's unique display approach greatly enhances the viewer's appreciation for the paintings and their history. "If you go to most American museums, you won't so easily be able to see the interplay between the French art leaders and the development of American art. This exhibit is really an unusual opportunity to stand, sometimes in one place in the gallery, and see both the French and American paintings at the same time — to be able to compare them back and forth."

Anderson also explained that Utah has lots of connections with Impressionism. "And it continues to be true in a lot of contemporary landscape painting here. Many Utah artists continue to be influenced by the landscape styles that were revolutionary in the 19th century."

Every painting in "Paths to Impressionism" is worthy of lengthy discussion. Viewers should take the time to read every exhibition card in the show, as well as peruse the art history timeline positioned on the wall opposite the exhibition's entrance.

"The best reason to see to this show," Anderson said, "is the great art — art of very high quality that is seldom seen in Utah. It's truly a rare opportunity to see these paintings, to have them accessible.

"Almost everyone will find them beautiful. They're historically significant, and they're right here where they can be seen for free."

If you go

What: "Paths to Impressionism: French and American Landscape Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum"

Where: Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 404 N. Campus Drive, BYU, Provo

When: Through July 8

Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.;

Saturday, noon-5 p.m.;

Sunday, closed

Cost: Free

Phone: 422-8251

Web: http://moa.byu.edu/

Also: Tours conducted during museum hours must be scheduled a week in advance (422-1140)

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E-mail: gag@desnews.com