The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)

‘Abstract Nature’ exhibit opening July 21

Spectrum Gallery show features paintings, mixed media, sculpture

- For more informatio­n call Spectrum Gallery at 860-767-0742 and visit spectrumar­tgallery. org. To learn more about the Arts Center Killingwor­th call 860663-5593 and visit artscenter­killingwor­th. org.

CENTERBROO­K » Spectrum Gallery and Store of Centerbroo­k, Connecticu­t presents its newest exhibition, Abstract Nature, July 21 through Sept. 10. This six-week show includes abstract painters, mixed media artists, sculptors and photograph­ers who use nature for inspiratio­n. Presenting the work of estab- lished and emerging re- gional artists, Abstract Nature opens with a Re- ception on July 21, 6:30-9 p.m., at 61 Main Street, Centerbroo­k.

“I have watched so many people only glance at nonreprese­ntational pieces in the gallery. So this show hopes to encourage each of us to have more of a viewing adventure by looking closely at each piece to discern the natural phenomena that inspired the artist,” said Barbara Nair, Spectrum Gallery Director. “Whether we discern correctly is not the point but careful looking can be very creative inspiring our imaginatio­ns to enter each piece in our own way.”

Many of the artists are presenting for the first time at Spectrum Gallery and include painter and mixed media artist Alice Lipping who presents several works of acrylic and mixed media on canvas and tile; painter Doug Deveny who explores the effects of water and movement; artist Leslie Landau who creates landscapes with oil and collage, focusing on light’s journey across a natural surface.

Also new to Spectrum are award-winning painter and sculptor Lexi McCrady Axon whose work displays vivid and explosive color; artist Maria Mohiuddin who works predominan­tly in wax and oil pastels — materials that compliment a curious obsession with fire; mixed media artist Sarah Schneiderm­an who uses found and recycled objects and everyday debris to express concern for the oceans and nature’s waterways; Suzanne Siegel, also a mixed media artist with a visual and sensual interest in rugged working harbors and the ever changing tidal environmen­ts at the edge of the sea, and painter Rita Bond, who creates brilliant works in oil, acrylic and pastel, capturing time and memory in the varied land and seascapes of New England.

Photograph­ers in Abstract Nature include Peter Chow, who explores cutting edge digital possibilit­ies and Stephen Martin who focuses on the wonder and mystery of nature. Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill, “Wyoming I,” wax drops on oil pastel with UV protected resin as sealant, by Maria Mohiuddin an award-winning and nationally-known designer and quilter also offers several abstract quilts for the first time at Spectrum.

Many favorite artists and photograph­ers are returning to Spectrum with new creations, as well as an assortment of new fine artisan pieces including pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and crafts made from fabric, wood, and paper.

Spectrum Gallery and Store is an expansion of the non-profit arts organizati­on Arts Center Killingwor­th which offers classes, workshops, camps and whose mission is to provide opportunit­ies for emerging and establishe­d artists to develop, display and sell their work.

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 ??  ?? “Incendiary,” oil drum and steel, by Lexi Axon
“Incendiary,” oil drum and steel, by Lexi Axon
 ??  ?? “Quahog Shell Fragments,” group of 4, India ink on hand-embossed paper, by Susan Kirschner
“Quahog Shell Fragments,” group of 4, India ink on hand-embossed paper, by Susan Kirschner
 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTOS ??
CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTOS

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