Walter Art Gallery presented a solo exhibition of mixed-media artist Lara Plecas, guest curated by Nicole Royse of Royse Contemporary.ÂThe artist's work was influenced by folk traditions as well as old maps, books and papers, and draws inspiration from textile art. Plecas created striking artwork using paper and encaustic with old books, European currency, maps, and wallpaper that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The artist cuts and transforms these findings into intricate quilting patterns. Recently Plecas has begun to sand through layers of paper, revealing what the artist calls "a time worn sensibility"Â which explores the lineage of ancestors and the struggles endured by her family.Lara Plecas was born in the Midwest, raised in a traditional Lithuanian family in Chicago, moving to Arizona to pursue her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University. While in college she took several art history and drawing classes discovering her passion for art while receiving her Bachelors of Integrative Studies at Arizona State University in Exercise Science and Dance Studies in 2005. She is a self-taught artist who began her career with painting in 2000 going on to have Profession Instruction in Encaustic with Miles Conrad of the Conrad Wilde Gallery in Tucson in 2007-2008. She is also a former member of the Eye Lounge Artist Collective in Phoenix from 2010 until 2013.The artist reception for Heritage will take place on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 6-10pm with brief remarks from curator Nicole Royse, an opportunity to meet artist Lara Plecas and hear about her work and process, live music, along with light appetizers and beverages.
"Summer Coolness" Paintings by Sharon Geels
July 21 - September 22, 2017
Using a vibrant palette and bold brushwork, Sharon Geels conveys a feeling of cool air and relaxation in her paintings. Geels focuses her work on her immediate surroundings, and in the tradition of the masters, paints the same scene multiple times at different times of day and in different seasons. Ordinary objects like tables, bicycles, plants, cats, and people are rendered with a unique and confident style that inspires the viewer to look anew at the world with innocent yet discerning eyes. The resulting body of work is fresh, lively, and engaging.
