press release:
ArtsWest announces its new gallery exhibition, Schools of Thought coming to the ArtsWest gallery July 26 and running through August 27, 2011. An enigmatic fluidity of thought is the overarching theme for this summer exhibition featuring four contemporary artists: Roxanne Fawcett, Ann Reid, Nancy Watterson Schraf, and Erin Wheeler.

Ann Reid’s process begins by hand drawing on black Arches paper, and then cutting out silhouettes in each of her detailed works. Unique representations of birds, trees and other objects from nature catch the eye. The finished products show incredible depth from detailed illumination and shadowing effects.

Roxanne Fawcett presents boldly painted acrylic paintings of colorful fish and flowers. Fawcett’s unique use of a squirt bottle as a painting tool brings an interesting texture to her paintings. Her works are especially riveting when viewed at a very close distance.

Nancy Watterson Scharf plays with plane and perspective in large-scale acrylic paintings. Having spent most of her life living in rural areas, she has a spiritual connection with the land. She represents this bond by creating surrealist paintings, distinctively blending people, animals, and landscapes using various dimensions and her own stylized techniques.

Artist Erin Wheeler will display her hand drawn animations in ArtsWest’s Alternative Media Platform (AMP) in the gallery. Graduate of Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, Wheeler’s dream-like art focuses on transformation inspired by old folklore, reveries, and contemporary children’s media.

Schools of Thought will be on display at ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery from July 26 through August 27, 2011. Meet the artists on Thursday, August 11, 6-7:30 PM for the opening reception. This event is free and open to the public. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 12-7 PM