‘Journeys’ show to welcome springtime

ESSEX — The Essex Art Association launches its 2018 exhibit season with a juried show “Journeys.” The theme for this exhibition evokes a visual interpretation of stirring memories, roads traveled and new destinations to strive for.

The exhibit’s opening reception is Friday, May 4, from 6-8 p.m. The show runs May 5– 26. The EAA Gallery is located at 10 North Main Street, Essex. Gallery hours: 1-5 p.m. daily, closed Tuesdays. For more information visit essexartassociation.com or call 860-767-8996.

The Gantner Gallery show, “Clairvoyance,” showcases work in graphite, oil and soft pastel by Janet Rayner, a self-taught artist and author.

As she describes it, “I have learned by reading books, observing the world, having a family and dreaming my wild dreams. I've learned through trial and error and trial and success, from other artists as well as from people who say that they ‘can’t draw a straight line.’”

“Since childhood, I’ve had vivid dreams at night and graphic inspirations in my waking hours. Many of my paintings are the embodiment of my visionary explorations,” she said.

Rayner has taught art to people of all ages in schools, art centers, at educational conferences and privately since 1986. She was a classified art teacher in Mendocino County, CA, for 10 years. Woven into her art lessons are elements of math, science, anatomy and history. Her students gain an understanding of the steps, the techniques and the use of tools and templates to illustrate what they see more effectively.

Rayner recently finished her first novel, a science fiction saga with dreaming and clairvoyance as the overarching themes. The name for her exhibit, Clairvoyance, comes from a graphite work based on one of her dream images.

She was born and raised in Deep River, and after spending most of her adult years in Pennsylvania and Northern California, Janet moved back to the Connecticut River Valley in 2014. Rayner is co-administrative director of the Essex Art Association.

Bill Colrus is the exhibition juror for “Journeys.” He is a retired illustrator, cartoonist, and graphic designer, known for his versatility and fondness for trying new approaches. While turning his hand to fine art, the same passion for exploration has prevailed.