Opening Thursday: "stitches in time, etc."

New abstract watercolors by Gretchen Feldman.

Please join us for the opening reception of “stitches in time, etc.” on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 5:30 – 8:30pm. The artist will be present. Public parking is available in the garage at 14^th and U Streets.

Chinese Checkers / 2007 / Watercolor on Paper / 30’’ x 22’’

We are honored to have Gretchen Feldman show her new works at our gallery beginning this week. The paintings, which combine transparent watercolor with thick, multi-layered opaque colors, mark both a forward progression as an abstract watercolorist and a return to the artist’s prior career as a textile conservator. Many of the works in “stitches in time, etc.” are influenced by the common titles of traditional American quilts, such as Baby Blocks, Queen’s Puzzle and Chinese Checkers (pictured above). Others (the “etc.” part of the exhibition title) are inspired by microscopic imagery. In a sense, “stitches in time, etc.” contrasts the biotechnological explosion of the 21^st century with the more functional creations (quilts) of 19^th-century rural America.

As an abstract artist, Feldman balances shape, form and powerful color to capture a sense of the intangible. She draws on the past for inspiration, acknowledges the present and looks to the future. Her pieces serve both as a form of her own creative expression and as a catalyst for inquiry, inviting us to ask questions, seek answers and create a bridge between viewer and artist.

Looking Ahead...

January has come and gone, and February is well under way. With the start of spring right around the corner, it seems appropriate to introduce talented, emerging artists into the local art community. From February 27 thru March 23, Nevin Kelly Gallery will host a traveling exhibition featuring the winners of the National Society of Arts and Letters’ 2007 arts competition. This competition was open to young artists (ages 18-29) who work in water media on paper. Local artist Jenny Davis, a previous NKG exhibitor, won this year’s $10,000 national first prize for her watercolor work entitled "Portrait of Tess” (pictured above). The winning works of the other 18 local chapter competitions who competed for the grand prize will also be on display.

We will host an opening reception at the gallery, 1517 U Street, NW for the National Tour of Works by 2007 NSAL Water Media On Paper competition winners on Thursday, February 28, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Please stop by and see this notable exhibition!