Clothespins, rocks and war artifacts at Middle Street
From April 4 through May 11, Middle Street Gallery in Sperryville exhibits a series of “introspective pen and ink drawings that represent a surreal view of nature” by member artist Wayne Paige. The enigmatic inhabitants of Paige’s world, which resemble clothespins, “observe unnamed events and populate imaginary landscapes of mountains, waterways and forests,” he says.
The figures in the drawings, “with their featureless faces, are engaged and communicating, trying to determine what is going on,” Paige says. “At other times, they are startled by the events that surround them. All takes place under a moonlit sky with a celestial version of the inhabitants saturating the heavens.” In “Floating bi,” the only painting in the exhibition, a silhouetted figure occupies a desolate, sun-drenched landscape.
Ann Curry will show five works — in acrylic paint, ink and encaustic medium — that show “multiple layers of visual interest.” Four of her pieces are line drawings that are bold, concise and incisive; the fifth work is a gentle drawing in colored pencil on a watercolor monoprint background. Phyllis Magrab presents “Five Easy Pieces,” which she calls “a collection of transparently layered acrylics on large sheets reflecting my ongoing study of color, light and abstraction.” Phyllis Northup is showing watercolors that are “pure celebration of rocks and the beauty and rich variety of their colors, textures, shapes and sizes.” Says Northup, “I am an admitted rock addict and am fascinated by the many different colors and forms as well as the geology behind their creation.”
Finally, photographer Susan Raines offers photographs of Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West, Fla. The fort’s 19thcentury brick walls are five feet thick and “the vaulted ceilings are an architectural wonder,” Raines says. “The fort houses the largest collection of Civil War artifacts in America; much of the armament was buried, forgotten, and only recently rediscovered during major archeological excavations.”
There’s an opening reception for the artists and the public from 3 to 5 on Saturday, April 12. Middle Street (3 River Ln., Sperryville) is open 10 to 5 Friday-Sunday. For more information, call 540-987-9330 or visit middlestreetgallery.org.
— Gary Anthes