Abstracting Nature

Abstracting Nature

A New Spectrum Gallery Exhibit Opens May 14

Discover new and original artwork that explores how artists envision the majesty of nature in all its variety, color, and abundance.  At Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store’s newest exhibit, Abstracting Nature, experience both impressionistic and abstract work in this seven-week show which kicks off Friday, May 14 and is celebrated with an Open House Weekend, Saturday, May 15 (12:30-6pm) and Sunday, May 16 (12:30-5pm). The exhibit, located at 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT will include wine and safely bagged snacks throughout the weekend.

Many favorite artists and fine artisans are returning to the Gallery as well as new ones presenting for the first time, including Daniel Breslin, a painter and multimedia artist who has exhibited, both virtually and in person, in galleries across the country. And Naomi Nevo Ben Ari, Israeli-born and Connecticut-based, an award-winning artist and arts educator who has shown extensively throughout the US. 

Artist Sarah Baskin joins Spectrum for the first time with impressionistic watercolor landscapes and still life. She is attracted to the transparency of the medium and how the white of the paper shines through the paint.  Susan Zirlen is a mixed-media textile artist who combines a passion for collecting and curating vintage fabric with her love of nature.  By creating textile collage pieces using the slow stitch process and including both natural and manmade embellishments – buttons, ribbons, and more – her work establishes a connection between these two worlds.  

Tammy Blais, a Connecticut-based photographer and painter, is returning to Spectrum.  She works in oil, presenting themes with a whimsical view often inspired by the elements she finds along the coast.  She paints in soft, tranquil color tones on stretch canvas of various sizes, smooth board, and linen paper.  Also returning to Spectrum is painter Kim Coughlin Tellez who experiments with abstraction, exploring expressionism and bold use of color.  At Spectrum, she presents a large abstract work of nature.

New to Spectrum is award-winning artist Michael Fanelli who joins Abstracting Nature with several digital photographs. He is an independent graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, and sculptor. With a background in film photography, he employs the language of traditional photography, even when pursuing experimental imagery.  

A variety of original photography and limited-edition prints are available including those by Christian Nielsen, a photographer whose inspiration comes from his travels around the country and the world.  His work focuses on the uniqueness of natural landscapes and urban spaces.  Abstract impressionist photographer Elizabeth Lauren West joins the exhibit with several digital archival works.  She creates images using long and multiple exposures with various focal lengths to exude softness, movement, and painterly qualities. Her multilayered compositions play with light, color, and contrast using chiaroscuro effects.  Allison Maltese, also new to Spectrum, has been taking photographs of the natural world for over 40 years and has exhibited extensively throughout the Shoreline. Growing up in Killingworth, she draws inspiration from the woods and gardens on her family’s rural property.

Many fine artisans at Spectrum Gallery are offering works in wood, glass, paper, fabric, jewelry design, and more.  As the Artisan’s Store continues to expand its relationships with fine crafters, new items to browse and purchase are available. There are new artisans and returning favorites like Terry Van Heusen who adds to her collection of ceramic wall vases featuring her love of cats. And new to the Gallery Store is fine artisan Marie Angersola who specializes in wood burning and painting gourds, adorning them with colorful and whimsical images of animal life and nature.

The Gallery recently expanded and relaunched its online shopping site, Spectrum Anytime, at spectrumanytime.com.  It is the place to browse and shop online with shipping available throughout the US – a perfect choice to discover new artists while adding to one’s collections, as well as a convenient site for artwork and gift card purchasing.

Spectrum Gallery, located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT is open Wednesday through Saturday (12-6pm) and Sunday (12-5pm). It adheres to all safety measures and asks that visitors wear masks and use hand sanitizer upon entering.  For more information call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org.  To follow on social media visit facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrum_art_gallery, and twitter.com/spectrum_ct