People come together for various reasons but regionally I love the idea of Kinship through Art; whether with artists at exhibitions, collectors making the next buy, museums, the lover of the written word at book signings, the theater, symphony, or opera concerts. We support the local community each time we are brought together through Art. Here are my thoughts on just a few of those Springtime events.
April saw us in fellowship at the WLU Seniors show that gave us eight student’s in photography, mixed media graphics, painting, and glass that was both tantalizing and modern. Also the “you’ve been here before” pop up event titled “Undulation” with 15 new artists that definitely furrowed into my thoughts. This gave us all the opportunity to to get acquainted with the work of Lacey Matheny and her current book “I’m Talking”. Her next endeavor that is worth watching for is a space that assists in offering artistic literary techniques for the budding writer. I’m sure we will see more from the talented Lacey this year. Also Amanda Carney of Cats Paw Gallery gave us the reward of watching her create live and in color, a mural for a local Church.
May showers may bring flowers but also the closing exhibition of Crosscurrents at Stifel Fine Art Center, where we the public were given the last opportunity to see the Works on Wall before the art was whisked away by either new owners or the artists. Mega Fine Art saw several of their artists represented in the show. New acrylic painting work by Bernie “Tiltonsville Quad #3” really had the conversation flowing like wine on a summer evening. David Mega also created new paintings!!! Yes, painting by David Mega. A triptich “Red Marilyn” and the whimsical western acrylic painting “Who let the Moose Loose”. The connections definitely were in evidence as we talked with Bob Villamagna about his award winning mixed media work “Moondog”. Bob is West Virginia Artist of the Year and it is a privilege to hear the story that created the work.
| Two events in Centre Market on First Friday brought many to share in “Versatility”. These three resourceful artists Linda Ehner, Judy Reed, and Jeannine Romano at Artworks Around Town gave us portraiture, landscapes, and city views while using one of the most difficult mediums to master, in my opinion, Watercolor; And Master it They Did! Thank You! The second event that Topped Off the evening like the bubbly from poured champagne as we were accorded an effervescent, stunning, and amazing performance of “The Dresser” by Ronald Harwood at Towngate Theatre. Under the direction of Maribeth Thompson and was performed by nine of our very best actors in the region, it was poetic magic that stays with you long after the final curtain. I drink a Toast to the Cast. |
Not new, but new for me was a visit to Gabe Hayes’ The Main Street Galley in Saint Clairsville Ohio. WOW to Our History! Locally, regionally, nationally, and European, author Alan Fitspatrick’s latest book “White Indians” and Cecy Rose’s correlating paintings and illustrations told the story of European captives that were adopted into the Indian culture. Let the Kinship of Art go forward for All of Us!
