If you go
› What: Opening reception for “New Work by Kim Kauffman, Judy Klich & Edie Maney.”› When: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 (snow date, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9)› Where: River Gallery, 400 E. Second St.› Admission: Free› Phone: 423-265-5033, ext. 5› Website: www.river-gallery.com
“Monet’s Garden III,” a 24- by 24-inch acrylic on canvas, by Edie Maney.
“Snowdrops ‘Gravetye Giant,'” a 17- by 22-inch photograph by Kim Kauffman.
“Resting Tree,” a 24- by 18-inch encaustic on panel by Judy Klich.A trio of artists will bring color to winter in the first exhibit of 2016 at River Gallery. “New Work by Kim Kauffman, Judy Klich & Edie Maney” continues through Sunday, Jan. 31.
An opening reception with the artists is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8.
Michigan artist Kim Kauffman uses photography to create her vibrant botanical abstractions.
In her artist statement, she says her Florilegium series was born of a desire to share her experience in her garden.
“I did not want to simply make pretty documents of flowers and landscapes but rather create images that would invite viewers to look more closely with a gardener’s eye at the subjects that fascinate me,” she explains. “After years of experimenting with many alternative photographic methods, I discovered a photo-collage technique that allows me to meld images seamlessly, creating collages that move beyond realistic interpretations.”
Tennessee artist Judy Klich says encaustic painting visually captures her personal quest for balance. The ancient method incorporates organic beeswax and natural sap from Asian pine trees.
Her scenes of nature are often defined by layers of rich, deep colors that create a smooth translucent surface for heavily three-dimensional textured areas.
“A recurring theme of ‘calm versus chaos’ is prominent in my work,” she says in her artist statement.
Tennessee artist Edie Maney achieves abstract conversations using watercolor, acrylics and mixed media on paper and canvas.
“The language of color is profound in my exploration of the painting process,” she says in her artist statement. “It is color that determines the shape, motion and texture in the design and composition of my work. Emotional expression and meditation are the directive elements of my style.”
Gallery hours are 10 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sundays and by appointment.