| First Friday is right around the corner for October, 2015. At Fresh Gallery, we like to highlight our artists during the First Friday festivities. For October, it is our pleasure to feature a new member, Leon Van Weelden. In addition to our featured member, we are excited to present our 1st Annual Photography as Art Competition.
Leon Van Weelden is relatively new to Fresh Gallery, but not new to art. Van Weelden has a fascinating history in the arts. He graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Speech and Theater with a minor in Art. He has over 25 years experience as the co-founder and performer with the Chameleon Puppet Theatre, which includes conducting workshops and participating as Artist in Residence in public schools. Van Weelden has received the Citation of Excellence Award in the Art of Puppetry founded by Jim Hensen through the Union Internationale de la Marionette as well as other well deserved awards.
Van Weelden tries to appreciate and celebrate the simple pleasures in his life and in his art. He finds beauty and inspiration in the things nature presents, such as the elegance of a tree, the roll of the horizon and the ever-changing mystery of the human face. Van Weelden says of his work, “I continue to be fascinated by the magic of paper and brush, water and pigment, and the ability of the artist to convey emotion and inspiration to the viewer.” He says that there is an urge in him that has been with him since childhood; an urge to create and make things with his hands.
Van Weelden’s works are stunning. He uses a combination of mediums to re-create the things he views around him. A close look at his pieces shows areas of softness and areas of intricate detail. The combination of techniques results in spectacular renderings of everyday scenes. Viewing his work is like taking a scenic tour of the countryside.
Our second event for October is our First Annual Photography as Art; Open Exhibition and Competition. Fresh Gallery put out a Call for Entry in September for photography submissions. The entries are all original works by artists 18 years and older in Springfield and the surrounding areas.
The exhibit will be displayed from October 1st to October 29th. Fresh will host a reception and awards ceremony on October 10th from 5pm to 7pm. The exhibit is sponsored by Bedford Camera and Video, 417 Photo Works, and Fast Frames and Gallery.
This exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to see what the area photographers have to offer. It just may inspire the next generation of artists to express how they see art through the viewfinder. |
