habitats

The opening of the current show, Habitats, was a bluesy buzz of islanders coming together to view the latest works by Claudia Whitman and Norm Proulx. These two are quite different in approach, yet their vision together is completely simpatico.

A statement on display reads in part, "Painting is about relationships. Every dot, line, or color, though it exists by itself, is seen in the context of how and where it is used. This show, though centered around two distinct themes is about habitats. It seeks to uncover both similarities in the energy that is created in a variety of visual fields. Its hope it to open up new possibilities for visual experience beyond the world we know."

This is a wall of Claudia's mixed media pieces. Claudia's passions are represented in visual emblems: a dove for peace, a horse for action. She layers these elements in and through her myriad collages that leap with color and surprising juxtapositions.



Here's a close up:



Norm's series of small paintings call us to another place, a home in the mind. A village of invented spaces that looks familiar somehow...



A Gem Gallery opening is always good for catching up. Here Gem Gallery founder, Jane Newkirk, announces her marriage to delighted friend, Diana.



Jane opened the Gem with owner Kristen Chalmers in 2003, but left Peaks Island two years ago to pursue other goals and dreams, leaving the gallery to run itself collectively. Over 25 of us are sharing the tasks of creating, hanging, promoting, gallery sitting, and selling, while Kristen pinch hits every show.


Island Times publisher, Kevin Attra, jazzes up the event with clarinetist, John Zemanek.



Habitats is on view through Tuesday, August 18. Monday and Tuesday hours this week are 2 - 5 PM. 62 Island Avenue, a short walk from the ferry landing on Peaks. Stop in!

Next up: Norm's partner, Jane Banquer will show her eloquent prints and paintings along with Rick Boyd and Pamela Williamson, potters extraordinaire. Scroll down past the last post for more information on their show. Opening reception is this Thursday, August 20.