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Retrospective Work of Bryan Keith Smith Hangs at Art Cellar Gallery Through July 23

The Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk is honored to present a Retrospective  of artist Bryan Keith Smith running through July 23. The Retrospective exhibition will feature watercolors from the acclaimed artist’s thirty year career. Smith’s artwork won more than sixty awards, many accolades and can be found in collections nationally and internationally.
He began his artistic career in 1976 as a self taught nineteen year-old native of Virginia Beach, VA.  His first works were in oils but he later become captivated with the process and results of working in watercolors. His talent was quickly recognized by enthusiastic collectors and received numerous awards from festivals and exhibitions.  In 1984 Bryan settled in St. Augustine, Florida and opened his own gallery continuing to build his reputation and demand for his richly detailed watercolors. He was a vital and engaged member of the active St. Augustine arts community.unnamed
In 1990 the Bryan moved his studio to Franklin, in Western North Carolina and focused on the natural landscapes and waterscapes the region. His artwork stands apart for his detail and rich layering of watercolor and ability to capture emotion. His passion for his art and subjects are clear in the scenes of Carolina riverbeds, farms, coasts, and rock crevasses.  Realism is his style, but his distinct and articulate interpretation of his subjects continually draws collectors to his watercolors.
Smith’s work has been included in exhibitions from Virginia to Florida and continued to receive accolades and awards throughout his career.  In 2014 Bryan Keith Smith died after a year long battle with cancer. His artwork stands as a testament to his talent, dedication and life long passion for art.
Bryan Keith Smith’s final exhibition at The Art Cellar Gallery in 2012 featured a return to oils on canvas along with his watercolors.  It had been his dream to present a body of large scale oils on canvas and the works were received with high praise for their remarkable style, rich color and artistic mastery, all highlighting his lifetime of commitment and passion for his art.
With this months show the gallery will be honoring Bryan’s life and work by featuring a collection of over 50 works in oil and watercolor that span his entire artistic career, from Florida to North Carolina and Europe. Gallery Collections Curator, Sarah Myers says, “It’s such a unique experience to see his earlier work and the progression of his talent over time.”
This week’s coffee talk with feature clay artist, Teresa Pietsch who will be speaking about her process and unique designs and inspirations. Coffee Talks are held every Saturday morning June – August from 10am to Noon. Featuring different artists every week, coffee, tea and light refreshments. For more information about any gallery events and artists the gallery may be contacted at 828-898-5175 or online at artcellaronline.com.
The Art Cellar Gallery is located on  Hwy. 184 (920 Shawneehaw Ave), Banner Elk, NC. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm each day.