WHO: Four artists represented by West End Gallery
Brian M. Hart - Corning, NY
Jennifer Miller - Olean, NY
Gina Pfleegor - Corning, NY
Sean Witucki - Depew, NY
WHAT: “Fall Spotlight Exhibit” an exciting new exhibit featuring four exceptional regional artists
WHEN: Opening Reception Friday, September 2nd from 5-7 p.m. Gina Pfleegor and Sean Witucki will be in attendance.
Live music is back! Music performed in the Upstairs Gallery by Harpist, Meredith Kohn Bocek
Exhibit on display: September 2-October 6
WHERE:
View in person: West End Gallery at 12 West Market Street in Corning, NY 14830
View online: www.WestEndGallery.net (Exhibit will debut online by 11 am on Opening Day. *Inquire about previews.)
Pre-sales permitted. Call 607-936-2011 to inquire about previews. All events at West End Gallery are FREE and open to the public.
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West End Gallery is excited to announce the opening of its new “Fall Spotlight Exhibit” featuring new paintings by four exceptional regional artists; Brian M. Hart, Jennifer Miller, Gina Pfleegor, and Sean Witucki. This show allows them to showcase their talents in the “spotlight”. There will be an Opening Reception Friday, September 2nd from 5:00-7:00 pm. We are also pleased to announce that live music is back! Music will be performed in the Upstairs Gallery by Harpist, Meredith Kohn Bocek. The event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend.
Each of the featured artists has provided an artist’s statement for this exhibit:
Brian M. Hart - Corning, NY: “As I was working on the current group of oil paintings for West End Gallery, I found that three comments kept circulating in my mind as I was working. One comment or statement was from my past, one statement just recently occurred in June and one, an unspoken comment, will surely happen in the future.
I have had the privilege to paint with Thomas Buechner and I recall something that he said in his studio, "Your technique is your signature." This was a statement that for me was always tricky and it meant first that you have to paint with a style or technique that is unique. Next you have to recognize what you do as an artist that is unique and embrace your style. Regardless of the painting or subject matter, I tried to apply paint in a way that was energetic, interesting and unique.
While at a graduation party this summer, I told someone that I had recently retired from teaching. "What are you going to do?" he asked. Well, this, I hope. I hope the paintings that I am rolling out for this show act as a springboard for my retirement career as an artist. In time, how this show is received will determine how I spend the next phase of my life. I truly hope that what I do finds a connection. At my age, it may be difficult to pick up a new marketable skill.
Our family picked up a new addition with the arrival of Joey, our new Australian Shepard puppy. While Joe does not speak directly to me using words, he sends a pretty clear message to me when I'm working. While I'm trying to work, he will sniff around and start chewing on things; maybe a photo, maybe a tube of paint, maybe a paintbrush or perhaps a paper towel. To me, he is clearly saying, "Enough painting. I'm a puppy and it's time to play with me!" In the days, weeks and years to come, he will be telling me the same thing when he drops into my studio workroom. Perhaps without speaking, Joey made the most important comment: Put the brushes away once in a while and do some other things!”
Jennifer Miller - Olean, NY: “My bird paintings offer a clear window into my greatest passion in life! I adore birds and greatly enjoy exploring, via my paintings, their appearances, behaviors, and unique niches in our world. I love learning the fine details of their anatomy through art, and accuracy to species is important to me. That said, I also find these feathered subjects to be a wonderful way to express myself through color, mood, and lighting. There is definitely a strong emotional component to many of my bird paintings.”
Gina Pfleegor - Corning, NY: “As an artist, I find myself drawn to a subject I know well; that balance of feeling strong yet feminine as a woman in our society today. Attempting to depict a sense of authenticity regarding what this can often feel like, I use symbolism to show that we can be both without sacrificing the other. Sensual can be strong, determined can be vulnerable, and sometimes even warriors get to wear gowns.”
Sean Witucki - Depew, NY: “From the beginning as a small boy, I have been immersed in nature. It is who I am as a person and as a painter. All of God’s creations lend infinite amounts of subject and inspiration to work from. I have found traditional techniques best suit what I strive for visually. It is what your soul feels when looking at a painting that matters to me. The emotional response it creates.
The two ways I have chosen to express the beauty I see is in landscape and still life painting. This direction allows me to show both God’s and man’s touch on the world around us. The “Light” that both shed. Within the landscape I strive to show majesty, intimacy, truth and strength of God’s creations. In still life I choose subjects that create personal narratives with natural, historical and common place objects that can also resonate with many people. It is a wonderful connection that I feel I am able to make with the viewer.”
Gina Pfleegor and Sean Witucki are expected to be in attendance for the Opening Reception.
Upstairs Gallery: In addition to the Fall Spotlight exhibition at West End Gallery, there will be new artwork by more than 30 exceptional artists on display in the Upstairs Gallery on the second floor.
Exhibit on view: Friday, September 2nd-Thursday, October 6th.
Enjoy in person and online: In person at West End Gallery - 12 West Market St. in Corning, NY and online at www.WestEndGallery.net. The exhibit will debut online by 11am on Opening Day.
Pre-sales: Pre-sales are permitted. Paintings from this highly anticipated exhibit sell quickly.
Special Previews: Please call to inquire about exclusive in-person and online previews. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/westendgallery_, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-end-gallery---corning-ny and Facebook facebook.com/WestEndGalleryCorning to get a sneak peek!
Admission: The event is FREE and open to the public. Families are encouraged to visit.
Accessibility: Main exhibits are wheelchair accessible, and www.WestEndGallery.net has AudioEye Accessibility Certification.
Gallery Hours: The Gallery is open for walk-ins Tues-Sat from 11am-5pm. Private appointments available additional days/hours. Please call in advance to schedule a private appointment: 607.936.2011
Know before you go: Visit our website for Current Business Hours and Services Offered
We appreciate any coverage you’re able to provide for this community arts event. Thank you for your continued support of West End Gallery and the 50 local and regional Artists we represent.
