Davis Arts Center
1919 F Street, Davis, CA 95616
davisartscenter.org
Contact:
Marketing & Communications Manager
Allison Sertic | allison@davisartscenter.org
Phone: 530.756.4100
Fax: 530.756.3041
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2013
Different Strokes artists present “Light and Shadow” at Davis Arts Center
Davis, CA – The Davis Arts Center is pleased to present works by Different Strokes, a group of seven artists who met in painting classes at the Art Center. The group exhibition Different Strokes: Light & Shadow will be on display in the Tsao Gallery October 11 through November 15, 2013. An opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday, October 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. during Davis Downtown 2nd Friday Art About.
Different Strokes artists Linda Ayre, Janice Long, Irene Osuga, Gai Perry, Dick Stern, Ann Teal and Morgan Wright have selected paintings in acrylic and watercolor in which style, materials or content relate to the concepts of light and shadow. Gai Perry said, “In deciding what our unifying theme might be, we decided that the one common thread in our work was the interesting things we each do with light and shadow. Some use it subtly within a painting, others use it to highlight strong lines or values.”
The artists joined three years ago as an informal critique group where they could evaluate their paintings for content, composition, color and message. Through this process, they found support not only for their artistic endeavors, but in their personal lives as well. “Our group is a place where we can exchange the rarest of gifts: the respectful caring and attention of one’s fellow artists,” commented Dick Stern. Coming from diverse backgrounds – the group includes a defense scientist, an investment accountant, a psychotherapist, a contemporary quilt designer and author, plus world travelers and homemakers – the artists are now all retired and meet monthly to paint, critique and share. Ann Teal said, “Different backgrounds, different styles, different use of medium, but a common goal of supporting each other to be the best artist we each can be.”
Members of the group credit long-time Davis Arts Center instructors Betty Berteaux, Chris Shackel and Philippe Gandiol for creating an artistic community in which differences are embraced, friendships made and bonds forged – ultimately leading to the formation of Different Strokes and providing a foundation for the group’s continued success in supporting the artistic growth of each individual.
Different Strokes: Light & Shadow is sponsored by the Davis Food Co-op, which is generously providing refreshments at the reception on October 11. In addition, the Co-op has designated Davis Arts Center as the beneficiary of their wine and beer tastings. Their October Fest beer tasting will take place on Friday, October 4 – subsequent wine and beer tastings are October 11 and 18, November 1 and 8 and December 6 and 18, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Davis Food Co-op, 620 G Street. As a way to bring the art of the Different Strokes exhibition outside the Tsao Gallery, the Davis Food Co-op will also feature a digital presentation of the artists’ work in their conference room, where the wine and beer tasting events begin.
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The Davis Arts Center, located at 1919 F Street, is a gathering place for dynamic engagement with the arts. Through multidisciplinary classes and programs for the regional community, the Art Center inspires creative expression in people of all ages and fosters an environment for the arts to flourish.