Summer Salon 2010

Hanover Gallery showcases work of two new artists this summer

By Ann Nichols

annsnichols@aol.com

For her Summer Salon 2010, Hanover Gallery owner Missy Peirano is spotlighting the work of artists new to the gallery.

Lisa Staggs lives in Nashville with her husband and daughter, but they spend much of their time at Mr. Staggs' family farm in Sequatchie Valley. She loves painting outdoors and the valley serves as inspiration for many of her oil landscapes.

"It evokes an unparalleled peace," Mrs. Staggs says of that special area in Tennessee.

Describing herself as a "contemporary impressionist," the artist uses vibrant color and a loose style to capture scenes en plein air. Larger paintings are completed in her studio from sketches and field studies.

"The combnation of painting and being outdoors among nature, structures and people is compelling," Mrs. Staggs said in her artist's statement. "It is more interesting, as well as interactive."

The gallery will debut five of her new landscapes.

Featured with Mrs. Staggs is local artist Erin Chapin.

Color and texture excite Ms. Chapin the most and her acrylic paintings of birds bear this out.

"I enjoy adding layers and layers of paint to the surface to create texture," she said. "I also add glazes of color when necessary."

Ms. Chapin, who has been painting and teaching art for more than 15 years, knew as a child that she wanted to be an artist.

"Art was the thing that excited me most and I took many classes through the Hunter Museum," she said. "I even remember my first drawing -- a self-portrait I did when I was eight years old."

For Summer Salon 2010, Ms. Chapin has created seven new pieces.

In addition to Mrs. Staggs and Ms. Chapin, the show will feature clique tiles and tumblers by Ed and Kate Coleman, landscapes by Millie Gosch, pastels by Susan Doubleday, jewelry designed by Cheryl Van Dyke, Jo Ann Bracey's watercolors and Ms. Peirano's paintings of flowers.

Summer Salon 2010 continues through Sept. 5.

Hanover Gallery, 1111 Frazier Ave., is open noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 2-4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment. Call 648-0533.

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