Just a quick announcement today of my next few events. First, in just over two weeks, on Saturday, April 11th, I will be giving a Gallery Talk at the Kada Gallery in Erie, beginning at 1 PM. Then, on June 5th, marks the opening of my annual solo exhibit at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria, VA. And after that comes my annual solo exhibit at the West End Gallery in Corning, NY which opens on July 17th.
The Gallery Talk at the Kada Gallery in April marks the first real talk I have given at the gallery in the 19 years that I have shown my work there. Actually, it is the second but the first, which was a few years back didn’t feel like one to me and never had the rhythm or flow of my normal talks. It was held at the beginning of the opening reception for my show there and there was little seating and people were milling about, looking at the new work as they entered the gallery. There was a lot of distraction and it wasn’t really conducive to creating real interaction with the audience, given my limited skills as a public speaker. I left feeling as though I had really under-performed that night.
So I don’t count that as a true Gallery Talk and vow to bring my A game. Also, this upcoming talk will feature a drawing for those in attendance to win one of my original paintings, along with several other goodies, something that has become a popular feature at talks at my other galleries. I spend a lot of time deciding which painting to give away at these events because I want it to be something meaningful, not secondary work. In the past I have given away what I consider to be substantial paintings and I promise those who take the time to come won’t be disappointed in the choice for this drawing. Or in the talk itself, for that matter. So, if you’re in Erie on Saturday, April 11th, I hope to see you at the Kada Gallery at 1 PM.
This year’s show at the Principle Gallery is titled Native Voice and is the 16th consecutive show, going back to 2000, at the Alexandria landmark. It is always one of the highlights of my year, the anchor around which I build my work year. I am pretty excited about the work that has been coming out for this show thus far and think it will be a very strong exhibit. But don’t take my word for it– see for yourself.
And then in July, it’s a homecoming of sorts with the opening of my show (still working on the title for this show) at the West End Gallery. It’s always a pleasure and a thrill to show in your home area. It’s just a different vibe– more familiar might be the best way of explaining it. It’s always nice to get to show off a bit for folks who might not see you just as a painter, but know you in other ways. I see a lot of people from the other phases of my life at these shows and it means a lot that they come out to see this aspect of what I do. As a result, this show always seems to bring out the best in my work and I suspect that this year will continue that trend.
So, that’s the next several months and, of course, there is more beyond that including a two-day workshop I will be teaching in September at the Yates County Arts Center in the beautiful Finger Lakes. Not to mention Gallery Talks at the West End in August and the Principle in September.
And with a little surprise I hope to unveil in May, it makes for a very busy year. So stay tuned.
Redtree Times 