What do you think of when you hear the word “landscape� The classic image of green trees, rolling hills or flowing streams may pop into mind, but our two current exhibits will hopefully push the boundaries of what you expect when examining landscapes, and expand our understanding of the scenery that surrounds us.
Each year we invite artists from across the country to submit works for acceptance into the juried show Horizon: Contemporary Landscape. The goal is to showcase art from living artists that experiment with the landscape genre in a new way. This can be in the form of a painted canvas, or in a non-traditional technique like collage, mixed media or any other medium.
Artists submit digital images of their work online, and a juror reviews the works and accepts pieces that he or she thinks best demonstrate creativity, strength of execution, and overall artistic excellence. The 2013 juror, Boris Zakic, is a contemporary artist and a professor of art at Georgetown College who has previously exhibited at the Community Arts Center in 2008.
“Horizon is always an interesting show because the landscape has been a common subject among artists that reaches as far back as art history allows,†says Brandon Long, programming director at the Arts Center. “The landscape changes with us over time, so every artist’s attempt to interpret their surroundings can be considered refreshing and new – a contemporary landscape.â€
This year, 100 works were submitted from artists in 14 different states, and 25 were accepted.
Also on exhibit are depictions of a more familiar landscape – downtown Danville – in Main Street Illustrated: A Collaborative Exhibit by Gathering Artists.
This is the fourth annual collaborative exhibit by Gathering Artists at the Arts Center, and it features paintings, photographs, fiber art and more, accompanied by historical notes and photographs provided by the Heart of Danville Main Street Program and local historians.
Gathering Artists chose the theme because they wanted to support the city’s efforts to keep downtown vibrant, but an unexpected outcome benefited the artists themselves: a lot of the artists had not portrayed buildings or architecture before, and “had to stretch their artistic skills. They also came away with a new appreciation of the detailed architecture of the buildings,†says Pat Williams, Gathering Artist member and coordinator of the exhibit.
“Each artist chose which building to represent and how to portray it,†says Pat, “and the artistic styles vary quite a bit. Viewers will recognize their favorite buildings, but they might see them in a completely new light. The historical information should add depth to the exhibit and provide visitors with an enhanced appreciation of today’s downtown Danville as well as its past.â€
Gathering Artists is made up of visual artists and fine craftspeople from the Danville-Boyle County area who meet the second Saturday of each month at the Arts Center. Their mission is “to find inspiration and encouragement for their artistic endeavors, to share educational and marketing opportunities, and to enhance social networking and artistic growth in our community.â€
Important dates!
These exhibits are only up now through Nov. 15, and are open Wednesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission (yes, free!).
Artists Reception: Thursday, Oct. 10,
It’s from 6 to 8 p.m. ALSO FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments served, and many of the artists themselves will be in attendance. When else will you have the chance to meet these artists all in one place, and to ask questions and learn about their creative processes and inspirations?
After Nov. 15, all art works that have been purchased (did we mention they’re all for sale?) will be available for pickup.
