More Opening Receptions
› Association for Visual Arts: 30 Frazier Ave. Opening reception Friday, March 1, at 6 p.m. for “Once Upon a Time.” The exhibit highlights the talent of illustration and animation artists; opening coincides with Read Across America Day weekend and celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. 423-265-4282› In-Town Gallery: 26-A Frazier Ave. Opening reception Friday, March 1, at 5 p.m. for “Southern Charm,” a photo essay by Ron Lowery. 423-267-9214
A reception Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will open the new exhibit in River Gallery, 400 E. Second St., and allow guests to meet the featured artists.
During the months of March and April, the gallery will feature work by glass artist Curtiss Brock and three oil painters, Joe Parrott, Victoria Pearmain and David Salerno.
» Brock calls rocks and minerals the "clock that dates the Earth."
"Sundown/San Miguel" is an oil on canvas by Joe Parrott. / Photo from www.river-gallery.com"It was sedimentary rocks that provided us with the necessary information we needed to be able to realize our planet's age and history. They are the concrete evidence of things far more powerful than us. The 'Geodes' are markings of my own personal journey and my ability to leave behind an object of beauty and mystery, much in the same way that nature does.
"Man's dependence upon fossil fuels is growing stronger than ever before. Even in a modern technological society we are facing a time when we must consider the implications of this dependence. My work is a simple gesture to try and make us stop to appreciate the power and great mystery of our planet," he says in his artist's statement.
» Parrott is a self-taught artist who worked in the graphic arts industry for 43 years while continuing to pursue his artistic aspirations. Now a painter full-time, he says he is influenced by Edward Hopper, Van Gogh and printmaker Lewis Martin.
"Trackside" is an oil on canvas by Victoria Pearmain. / Photo from www.river-gallery.com
"I want my work to express the elation I feel when I see bright sunlight bouncing off a brick building, when I see sparkling reflections in a body of water, when I see a bright blue sky illuminating objects in a deep shadow. These things inspire me to paint. For me, it's all about the light and shadows," he says.
» Pearmain is primarily a plein air painter, working in oil on canvas, paper and panels.
Her subjects include many scenes around Chattanooga, such as Chester Frost Park, the Tennessee River and Chickamauga Battlefield.
"When I look for places to paint, I am attracted to open spaces, fields, farms and water views. I am inspired by unmanicured places where nature is allowed to flourish. I enjoy painting houses and industrial structures, places where man has left a mark, but nature is reclaiming the space."
» Salerno is a former physician who pursued painting in retirement. He is an instructor at Townsend Atelier.
"The Divide" by David Salerno. / Photo from www.river-gallery.comSalerno says in his artist's statement that, for him, the allure of oil paint is its texture, luster and the "sweet smell" of linseed oil.
"I enjoy making still-life and plein air landscape paintings. There is something within that compels me to paint. The beauty that the world displays calls to me. Light and color are the usual elements that trigger a strong emotional response within me. I strive to create paintings that elicit the same emotional response in the people who see them," he describes.
"We live in a stressful and complex society - I hope that my paintings can provide a source of serenity and simplification," says the artist.
For more information: 1-800-374-2923.