Edited by Randi Bjornstad
Beyond the Everyday: Still Lifes and Symbols is the title of a new exhibit opening on July 31 in the main gallery at the Maude Kerns Art Center and running through Aug. 28.
The show features the work of three Portland artists: Georgiana Nehl, Robin Kerr, and Rachel Kalman.
During the same time, another show, Surreal Views, will be on display in the smaller Salon Gallery, with art by Eugene artist Quigley and Salem artist Ron Conrad.
A reception for the artists in both shows will take place on Friday, July 31, from 5-7 p.m., with comments from participating artists at 5:30 p.m.
Surreal Views
Quigley has been honing his art for more than 40 years and has shown his work in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and Mexico. His paintings feature vibrant colors that he describes as seeking “surreal narratives that point beyond everyday existence,” as he explores the relationship between physical and spiritual being as well as melding past, present and future.
Conrad’s work includes acrylic paintings as well as sculptures in which he incorporates wood, brass, glass, and branches, in an effort he describes as “finding a connection with nature and the universe and a longing to touch the essence of existence.”
Beyond the Everyday
The Portland artists use everyday objects and forms to create colorful, contemporary “still life” pieces.
Georgiana Nehl focuses on how people make sense of the world, including through the use of images and symbols in the form of mixed-media paintings and interactive sculptural pieces, often combining seemingly disparate elements to spur new ways of appreciating and understanding of the world.
Robin Kerr, originally from New Zealand, considers herself “an accidental immigrant,” and uses acrylic, wax pastel, and ink on birch panels as she creates paintings that explore her need to find familiarity in what began as an essentially unfamiliar place.
Rachel Kalman uses close observation and oil paint to create “portraits” of inanimate objects, but layered with elements sometimes of humor, horror, even kitsch, with an eye to point out the juxtaposition of sometimes “frivolous detail” with real-world complexities and catastrophes.
Maude Kerns Art Center
Where: 1910 E. 15th Ave., Eugene corner of East 19th and Villard streets
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday when exhibits are on display
Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. on July 31, with artist comments at 5:30 p.m.
Information: 541-345-1571 or mkartcenter.org
