If you go
› What: “Harmony” by Broad Stroke Artists.› When: Friday, April 27-Sunday, June 3. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Friday. Open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.› Where: Exum Gallery at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St.› Phone: 423-266-8195.› Website: www.stpaulschatt.org/the-exum-gallery.
The art is new. The group is new. The venue is familiar.
On Friday, the six members of the recently formed Broad Stroke Artists will introduce themselves at Exum Gallery with an exhibit titled "Harmony," reflecting the concordant nature of their latest endeavor.
"Although the work is as diverse as the individuals, there is a blending of the art when shown together that is very harmonious," says spokeswoman Janice Kennedy.
For its painting portion, the exhibit transitions through an array of acrylic and mixed-media works, including abstract compositions, impressionism and realistic depictions. Then comes a handful of assemblages, "an olio of found objects," Kennedy says. The latter add a bit of whimsy to the scene as the found objects are reassembled "into a completely new and intriguing piece of art."
Kennedy has contributed "Step On Up," pairing a stirrup from an antiques store in Ringgold, Georgia, with a piece of handmade pottery found in a local thrift store. Other aspects of the work include handmade papers and patinaed metal, all creatively assembled into a standalone piece of art.
Other members of Broad Stroke Artists are Lupina Poi Haney, Faye Ives, Kathleen Pacenti, Lorraine Perkins and Vicki Styons.
Kennedy says they "have painted together, learned from each other, laughed together and become artistic friends." Forming the group to exhibit together, she says, was a way for them to grow in their artistic achievements.
Curt Hodge, who curates shows for Exum Gallery, says he has exhibited works by some of the artists before, so the group project "is just an extension for them to grow into other paths."
Hodge says he's excited to see what they bring him.
"I never know until I walk into the gallery what work has been delivered and how I will go about hanging or perhaps swinging from the ceiling or placing on tables or pedestals. Each show always presents something new, and I try to let the work determine how best to display it."
"Harmony" will continue at Exum Gallery through June 3. An opening reception is scheduled Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.