‘Blue’ art show to open Friday at Warner Gallery

CHESTER >> “Blue,” a new show of monotype prints by Elvira Ormaechea, Elizabeth Gourlay and Pat Smith at the Lori Warner Gallery, opens Friday, May 19, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. The show continues until July 10.

In “Blue” the three artists were invited to create artwork with Lori Warner in her personal printmaking studio. Each artist created a series of prints using a variation on the color blue.

In addition to the opening, the artists will be present from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the gallery to informally discuss their work at a special open house.

Artists selected have various levels of printmaking experience. Elizabeth Gourlay has the most printmaking experience, creating monotypes with master printers. Gourlay’s primary medium is painting. Elvira Ormaechea printed while studying painting at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Art. Pat Smith is a sculptor. This is Smith’s first experience with printmaking. In addition to their monotypes, an artwork in their primary medium will be exhibited to demonstrate the interpretation and influence of the process of printmaking.

The artists experimented with a new process, new tools and inks in an unfamiliar studio space — all with the intention of showing their work to the public. The works created for BLUE are exceptional because each piece demonstrates a rare glimpse into the artist’s unhindered interpretation of their personal vision through the revealing nature of simply working in an unfamiliar process. Allowing this creative vulnerability often marks a significant turning point for an artist. The Lori Warner Gallery is pleased to encourage this level of creativity and personal growth.

Before opening her gallery in Chester, Warner set up her printmaking studio in 2003 with award money received for excellence in printmaking from Rhode Island School of Design. Her intent was to invite artists to print, as finding access to an etching press is often difficult and expensive. BLUE is the first exhibition featuring works created by invited artists in Warner’s Hadlyme studio.

Information about each artist can be found on the gallery website, on Facebook, or in person at the Lori Warner Studio/Gallery in Chester; or call 860322-4265.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS “Blue,” a show of monotype prints by Elvira Ormaechea, Elizabeth Gourlay and Pat Smith opens Friday, May 19, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lori Warner Gallery. The show continues until July 10.