DECATUR – An art exhibit reflecting artists’ feelings and moments will be on display this week in Decatur.
“Serendipity and Serenity,” featuring the art of Dawn Whitelaw and Amy R. Peterson in association with the Beverly McNeil Gallery of Birmingham, opens Tuesday at the Alabama Center for the Arts Main Gallery.
“Self-Portrait in Mirror”
“Serendipity and Serenity” are themes that are at the heart of Amy R. Peterson’s latest paintings which depict places, moments, and faces of family life. These are among the most personal pieces of the artist’s oeuvre.
Whether a child, a pet, or a glimpse of home, they are encounters of peace and joy amidst the challenges of family life. The calm amidst the chaos. Reminders to slow down and be present, or else miss all the magic.
On the surface, it’s everyday life; but when looked at with love, the everyday becomes transcendent. No body of work stands entirely alone because an artist’s work evolves over time. A few older pieces are included in this collection as they hint at the current evolution of the artist’s work.
Dawn Whitelaw often paints in response to something unexpected that catches her eye. She is sensitive to the moment when the light, atmosphere or viewpoint displays the commonplace in an uncommon way.
These moments of serendipity could be as simple as yard flowers on the studio kitchen table, or an unattractive block building all aglow from the summer sun and surrounded by volunteer wildflowers.
As for serenity, she often finds it at the end of the day as the sun goes down with the promise of a new day coming.
An artists’ reception with a painting demo will be held Oct. 9 from 5–7 p.m. During the reception, Whitelaw and Peterson will simultaneously conduct informal demonstration paintings.
“Serendipity and Serenity” will close Nov. 2. The Alabama Center for the Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Art pieces from this exhibit can be purchased directly through the Beverly McNeil Gallery website. Interested buyers may shop online or call the gallery at 205-328-1761.
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