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31st Spring Group Exhibition With “Voyages and Visions – A European Influence” At Carlton Gallery

May 20, 2013. Carlton Gallery hosts its Spring Group Exhibition on Saturday, May 25th, 2-5 p.m.  New art by the standing gallery artists whose work ranges from traditional to contemporary in paintings, glass, wood, sculpture, clay, fiber and fine jewelry transforms the gallery for its Spring Celebration and 31st Anniversary.       

Paintings by Andrew Braitman, Kevin Beck, Egi Antonaccio, Ray Byram and Connie Winters with subject matter ranging from abstracted landscapes, Tuscan landscapes, and Blue Ridge vistas to urban landscapes are a visual delight. Contemporary figurative works by Warren Dennis and Mike Ham are colorful, energetic, enjoyable and entertaining for the viewer. Still life paintings by Mary Martha McKinley along with Freeman Beard’s beautiful water colors capture the color, mood, and tranquility of their painting subject.       

A special exhibition, “Voyages and Visions – A European Influence” by Helen Farson, Gina Strumpf and Sharon Rusch Shaver  – gallery artists who enjoy travelling and painting in the Provence region of France and the Tuscany area of Italy is a feature for the Spring Group Exhibition. Each artist has captured in oils on canvas her interpretation of the atmosphere, comportment and beauty found in these fascinating countries. Lively café scenes, tranquil landscapes and riveting street scenes reflecting the artist’s experience and vision of her European travels capture the ambience and minute details in each painting.   

Helen Farson expresses her vision of her European travels by what she refers to as “mapping her journey with brush and color”, as each of her painting forays has made its own map across her heart.   She renders oil paintings in her distinct, impressionistic style with clear colors and lyrical brushwork full of Old World charm. Farson’s “A French Blue Lunch”, a sidewalk café scene which is a way of life in the European culture, evokes a relaxing and calming ambience with the brilliant blue awnings shading the diners.

Gina Strumpf is a prolific painter with natural talent. She has travelled for studies and workshops in Southern France and Tuscany to hone her skills and expand her vision. She loves travelling to stimulating locations and painting En Plein Air.  Strumpf is inspired by patterns of light and shadow and renders her paintings to capture the excitement she feels for her subject matter. She has a distinctive style in her popular “Red Umbrella” cityscapes with reflections which make one yearn to walk in the rain.

 Sharon Rusch Shaver renders oil paintings in her unique perspective with subtle undertones while working En Plein Air. She grew up on Grand Island, New York with parents who were oil painters, though not professionally. They were very encouraging when informed of Shaver’s drawing talent. The opportunity to travel in the United States and Europe visiting art galleries and museums inspired her to pursue a painting career.  Shaver is an award winning and published artist who was commissioned to do a painting for the White House which is a part of their permanent collection. She teaches oil painting workshops and, most recently, in Europe where she experienced the subject matter for her engaging paintings.

Celebrate the season and visit Carlton Gallery on Saturday, May 25, 2 to 5 p.m. for the Spring Group Exhibition which runs through July 23, as the gallery begins its 31st year of showcasing fine art in all mediums. The “Voyages and Visions – a European Influence” exhibition with Artists’ Reception allows one to view paintings with a different view and meet Helen Farson, Gina Strumpf and Sharon Rusch Shaver. This exhibition continues through June 18th.

The gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone and 7 miles north of Linville on NC 105 S in the Grandfather Mountain community. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5 and 11 to 5 on Sunday. For information on artists, exhibitions or workshops, call (828) 963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com.