FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

George Pappas

The First Fifty Years: A Retrospective

Opening reception: Saturday, August 2, 4 – 7 pm

Exhibition dates: August 2 – 30, 2008

The work of artist and educator George Pappas will be highlighted in the exhibition The First Fifty Years: A Retrospective. This is the first comprehensive survey of Pappas's work at Arts on Douglas . The retrospective will feature over 16 works, each from a different phase and series in the artist's career.

The First Fifty Years: A Retrospective will showcase the artwork that has captivated viewing audiences since the 1950s. The exhibition includes works from the Beach and Landscape series, Domestic Relationships series, Archeological Sites series, Artists' Portraits series, Crime Scenes and Barriers, and the most recent Literary Digest and Excavations series.

Pappas's interest in Greek heritage, mythology, archeology, literature, social issues, and art history are what he describes as “the roots that feed the form and content of my work.” Pappas explains, “My paintings are usually developed around a particular theme or concept, which evolves into a series of related works that may hold my interest for several years. Now, more than fifty years later, I am still completely involved, still trying to learn and grow as a painter.”

George Pappas was born in Boston ; however he grew up in New York City and New England . His educational background includes degrees in art from Massachusetts College of Art (B.S.), Harvard University (M.A. with study at M.I.T. and Gyorgy Kepes), and Penn State University (D.ED. in Art Education).Pappas has been an artist/educator for over forty years, having taught at Northern Iowa University, Penn State University, and the University of South Florida. In 1993, he retired from the University of South Florida as Professor and Chair Emeritus of Art. His paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States in over 100 juried exhibitions including the Corcoran Biennial, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He has had over thirty solo exhibitions in museums and galleries. Pappas's work is also represented in numerous private and public art collections in the U.S. and Canada , including the National Gallery of Art, the DeCordova Museum of Art, Des Moines Museum , Tampa Museum of Art, McDonald Corporation of Toronto , City of Tampa , Knoll Associates of Boston and the Neiman Marcus Corporation of Dallas .

Arts on Douglas Group Exhibition

The Art of Printmaking

Opening reception: Saturday, July 5, 4 – 7 pm

Exhibition dates: July 5– 26, 2008

Artist panel discussion & demonstration: Thursday, July 10, 5 pm

Arts on Douglas is pleased to announce the opening of a new group exhibition entitled The Art of Printmaking . This special group exhibition features a unique collection of two and three-dimensional art works that represent various techniques of printmaking. This exhibition was open to all artists represented by the gallery. The p articipating artists are: Hope Barton , Donne Bitner , Jill Cannady, Bryce Hammond, Gretchen Nass, Lee Nesler , Mary Schimpff Webb, Jo Sinclair, Trish Thompson , and John Wilton.

Contemporary printmaking is flourishing today with artists renewing age-old techniques, printing on and with alternative materials and tools, and turning towards new digital approaches. The Art of Printmaking is an exhibition that showcases a variety of artistic expression and experimentation within the media, including monotypes, etching, collagraph, strappo, digital, and screen prints.

The Kindergarten Hell series by Bryce Hammond is an example of embracing alternative printmaking methods. Stenciling is a printing technique Hammond acquired during his years involved with the graffiti art circuits of Atlanta and New York City . This process of screen printing is slightly different from formal screen printing techniques because spray paint is used instead of ink. Hammond will also have several monotypes on display. Hammond explains, “What I have found is that if I use heavy enamel as my paint, I can then print the stencil itself in relief on cotton paper as a monotype. I use this heavy paper instead of glass or plastic to transfer the image and use a small woodblock press for the impression.”

In contrast to the free spirited stenciling technique, the works of Hope Barton and Lee Nesler offer a glimpse of the traditional printmaking process of etching or intaglio. The etching process begins when the desired image is meticulously carved into a metal plate. The plate is transferred into an acid bath and the areas that have been drawn are etched by the acid under the watchful eye of the artist. The plate is then inked and rolled through a printing press. Nesler explains, “I start with a quick sketch and develop the relationships of the idea until the impact of the composition and simplicity of the design are met. Only then do I transpose my ideas to the metal plate.”

Printmaking is a process driven art form; however, that does not mean that is without fluency or freedom. For example, New Smyrna Beach artist, Trish Thompson will exhibit two collagraph prints entitled Rags to Riches I and II . A collagraph print is a process whereby combinations of objects are placed on the surface of the plate before it is inked and rolled through a press. The result is a collage effect. Thompson explains, “ I am a painter using printmaking techniques. What I enjoy is piling objects on a plexi-glass support, inking them all individually and running the plate and the objects through the press. I love the embossed surface and the impression the inked textures leave when they overlap. I'm also a big fan of the ghost images.”

The Art of Printmaking exhibition showcases the variety of visual effects that are achievable in contemporary printmaking.

In addition to the exhibition, Arts on Douglas will host an informal artist panel discussion and demonstration on Thursday, July 10, at 5pm. The event is free and open to the public. The discussion and demonstration offers a unique opportunity to learn a variety of printmaking processes first hand from the artists, but will also allow some attendees to try their hand at the art form.

Arts on Douglas Group Exhibition

Abstract Expressions

Opening reception: Saturday, June 7, 4 – 7 pm

Exhibition dates: June 7 – 28, 2008

Arts on Douglas is pleased to announce the opening of a new group exhibition entitled Abstract Expressions. This special exhibition features a unique collection of two and three-dimensional art works that coincide with the Abstract Expressionism theme. This exhibition was open to all artists represented by the gallery. The participating artists are: Jean Banas, Donne Bitner, Gary Bolding, Marilyn Catlow, Bryce Hammond, Charon Luebbers, Carol Elder Napoli, Gretchen Nass, Lee Nesler, George Pappas, Beau Redmond, Marilynne Roland, Mary Schimpff Webb, Jo Sinclair, Trish Thompson, Alan Urban, Barbara Wagner, and John Wolfe.

The art movement referred to as Abstract Expressionism began in the 1940s, and includes well known artists such as Jackson Pollack, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko. This group of artists departed from the formal conventions and techniques of representational art and began to explore individual artistic expression. These artists emphasized spontaneity, gesture, color, form, and most importantly the creative process. Since then, a new generation of artists went on to create their own expressions based on, but not imitative of, those who initially forged the way.

The Abstract Expressions exhibition showcases the work of that new generation of artists by offering a wide range of artistic style, expression, and technique. Some examples include Trish Thompson's acrylic painting Linear Tracery. The amorphous shapes in Thompson's piece remind the viewer that even though a three-dimensional space is implied, the painting is a two-dimensional object. Thompson explains, “I love the quiet stability of the square as the anchoring shape. I also like the contrast of the more energetic elements of texture, mark, and color. I combine the balanced visual appeal of the square or grid with other unplanned components to create a dynamic balance.”

The gestural brushstroke is key element of Abstract Expressionism . The brushstroke is the artist's signature, providing evidence of the event or process of the work's creation. Jean Banas , Gretchen Nass, and Barbara Wagner are some examples of this dynamic gesture put into practice, whereby directness and immediacy of expression boldly confront the viewer. Barbara Wagner explains, “It is the act of painting itself, the creation of my own varied shapes and textures, as well as the orchestration of color that I find most inspiring when I am creating.”

Another example of individualized style and technique comes from Miami based artist Alan Urban. Urban's oil and acrylic painting The Second Glacier is an example of the exploration and experimentation of surface and process. Urban utilizes various paints and solvents to create subtle surface variations that reflect light and color in every shifting color field. Urban explains, “The goal is to remove, as much as possible, the artist's ‘hand' from the creative process. I strive to make paintings that come to be without the notion of artistic implication.”

While Abstract Expressionism is primarily non-representational, some artists include iconic figurative subject matter, like St. Augustine artist Beau Redmond's painting All American Girls (Ruben's Three Graces). Redmond explains, “My approach to the Abstract Expressionism theme is to salute Willem de Kooning, who redefined doctrinaire abstract modes with the inclusion of figurative subject matter in seething hyperactive surfaces.”

The artists participating in the Abstract Expressions exhibition utilize highly individual materials, techniques, and approaches; however, authentic expression is their common ground.

Tony Savoie

New Works

Opening reception: Saturday, May 3, 4 – 7 pm

Exhibition dates: May 3 – 31, 2008

Each month one of the 57 artists represented by Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles, the downtown New Smyrna Beach art gallery, is featured in a solo exhibition. During the month of April, the gallery will feature Orlando mixed media artist Tony Savoie.

Tony Savoie's solo exhibition, New Works , is a combination of two separate series—the Command Series and Icons Incorporated. Savoie's process involves reverse painting on acrylic sheets. Savoie uses a variety of media, such as oil and spray paints, pencil, photographs, and found objects to create a bold and multi-dimensional statement.

The Command Series addresses, on the surface, one of the most accessible, loveable and often exploited subjects on earth: dogs. This series appears to be a lighthearted tribute to the canine qualities considered most admirable, such as loyalty, obedience, enthusiasm, and trust. However, a double layer of meaning exists as the admirable qualities attributed to dogs are shown to be far less appealing when transposed to humans. Savoie explains, “In addressing the gap between the potential for human decency and an often brutally cruel reality, I'm attempting to balance anger and apathy with humor and horror. I want to combine immediate and exciting painting with broader concepts, and the desire of initiating a dialog on the topic of humane critical thinking.”

The Icons Incorporated continues the ideas and questions of the Command Series. This series is a response to an overtly consumer based society. Savoie explains, “I am attempting to reduce an ideal reality to an absurdity that invokes humor and skepticism, rather than trust, blind loyalty and mindless consumption.” Icons Incorporated is narrow in focus, with the intention of enlightening in an entertaining way.

Tony Savoie had a career in advertising and graphic design before pursuing a fine art career full-time. Savoie has received the highest honors, including four museum purchase awards and numerous 1 st place and best in show placements in outdoor festivals throughout the nation. This is Savoie's first solo exhibition at Arts on Douglas .

ARCHIVED PRESS RELEASES:

Kevin McNamara

The Spirit of Light

Opening reception: Saturday, April 5, 4 – 7 pm

Exhibition dates: April 5 – 26, 2008

The title of the exhibition, The Spirit of Light , will feature a collection of painterly realist and impressionistic oil paintings of landscapes and figurative interiors. McNamara's paintings reveal a careful study of color and natural light, tonal values and spatial relationships. “I work loosely with thin paint, building to more impasto passages as the work progresses,” explains McNamara, “I strive to maintain a feeling of freshness and vibrancy in my brushwork, never over mixing colors.”

McNamara primarily paints on location, preferring to interact directly and spontaneously with light and subject matter. Some New Smyrna Beach residents may have seen McNamara on the small bridge off of Washington Street , with his easel, canvas, and brushes, enthusiastically painting scenes of the city marina. “Nature is my starting point, but it is my reaction to the scene that makes the work interesting,” McNamara explains. The Spirit of Light is Kevin McNamara 's first solo exhibition at Arts on Douglas .

Kevin McNamara was born in Manchester , England of Irish parents but was brought up in Dublin , Ireland . He studied art at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin , where he received his degree in 1985. A year before leaving college he had his first exhibition when he was included in the Emerging Artists Show , organized by Guinness Peat Aviation, and that same year he took part in the influential Young Artists exhibition in Dublin . He has also worked on a number of portrait commissions and painted a mural for the Irish Pavilion at the 1992 Seville Exposition . Since then he has shown regularly in group and solo exhibitions in Ireland , England and the United States . McNamara has also spent time in the United States working as an artist in film production. Most recently, his work has been featured in the 2007 Florence Biennale in Florence, Italy and a solo exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Science in Daytona Beach , Florida .

Arts on Douglas Group Exhibition

MIXED TO THE MAX: Collage, Assemblage and Mixed Media

Works by Nine Central Florida Artists

Opening reception: Saturday, March 1, 4 – 7 pm

Exhibition dates: March 1 – 29, 2008

Panel discussion: Thursday, March 6, 5:00 pm

Arts on Douglas is pleased to announce the opening of a new group exhibition entitled MIXED TO THE MAX.This exhibition features works in collage, assemblage and mixed media by nine Central Florida artists, both independents as well as those represented by the gallery. Guest curator James Murphy selected the artists for this special exhibition, which includes Ummarid Eitharong, Jane Jennings , Greg Jones, Phil Parker, Tony Savoie, Jo Sinclair, John Whipple, Lynn Whipple and John Wilton. Murphy, an art historian and former arts administrator, is on the adjunct faculty of Stetson University and Daytona Beach College .

In selecting the participants, Murphy was looking for those artists whose work truly pushes the concept of mixed media to its maximum impact. “Robert Rauschenberg said it best when he said he tried to act in the gap between art and life.” “The art of collage and assemblage combines real objects and created images in a way that blurs the line between presence and illusion,” explains Murphy.

Many of the works function as both two- and three-dimensional structures, and allow viewing experiences that tease our understandings of visual perception or perspective. Other works intrude more aggressively into our physical space, or multiply metaphoric references through a range of different media. Above all, the works exemplify the experimental and no-holds-barred approach of pushing ideas and images “to the max.”

In addition to the opening reception, Arts on Douglas will host an informal panel discussion with the curator and participating artists on Thursday, March 6, at 5:00 P.M. The event is free and open to the public.

MIXED TO THE MAX exemplifies the Arts on Douglas commitment to offering a broad spectrum of artistic expression. “I have always found group exhibitions as an interesting way to give the viewer a small glimpse into an artist's psyche. Being able to see the work, all together, studying the works individually and as a whole –gives the viewer insight into the artist's techniques, approach and sometimes a personal or emotional connection to the subject matter,” explains Meghan Martin, Gallery Director.