In January, OASIS Fine Art & Craft offers a mezzanine exhibit of Elaine Hurst paintings, “A Different Perspective”, a members’ exhibit “From the Heart”, and a concert by Blue O’Connell.
Elaine Hurst is a slim , gentle woman with a physique that tells you she is well-acquainted with the out-of-doors. In fact she recently traveled to Art in The Open in Wexford, Ireland, an outdoor painting experience that telling about still makes her eyes light up. With memberships in many national arts organizations and representation in seven galleries here and abroad, Hurst is known as among the finest painters in the Shenandoah Valley.
Hurst also shows kindness and generosity in helping local arts groups, organizing plein air groups, and sharing her knowledge and experience via her website, elainehurst.com. Most of the paintings for this exhibition use a different perspective in one way or another. In one painting, Hurst says, she might be looking down upon a dog, and paint him on a very large canvas. In another painting, it may look almost as if you are flying over the landscape, and seeing it much as a patchwork quilt.
The artist says that she is “drawn to compositions that look at the subject in a different way, so as to grasp the essence of the subject, through the use of light, color, perspective, line, shape and value. I am thrilled when someone lingers in front of one of my works to contemplate the view, and sees something that they may not have seen before.”
Judith Ligon has curated a member’s exhibit called “Where the Heart Is…” with tributes to love in many media. The exhibit runs throughout January and February. Ligon says “Where the Heart Is…” is a show which reveals interpretations or expressions of love for another, whether it be for that someone special in our life, something we ‘love’ to do with which we show affection for another, a special relationship with one’s pet, etc. In our country we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day on February 14th, but love is boundless. This celebration of love can take shape in the form of a heart box, flowers, a ring, special dinner date, a unique picture or painting of a loved one, etc. How do you show your love?”
OASIS invite the public to an opening reception for the two exhibits on Friday, January 6, 5-7pm. It includes music, refreshments and a chance to meet the artists.
Blue O’Connell appears at OASIS on January 20. She is a singer/songwriter and guitarist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her inventive solo guitar pieces are the result 36 years of exploration and focus, and she has studied with some of the most innovative guitarists around, such as Robert Fripp, Ralph Towner and Dusan Bogdonvich, to name a few. Her lyrics show a unique perspective gained from working with writers as diverse and visionary as Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and New Yorker cartoonist Lynda Barry.
This past summer, she released her long awaited new CD, “Choose the Sky”. This title is translated on the inside cover into nine different languages, each of which has a slightly different flavor in its native idiom. Whether you choose to interpret its meaning as “elect the heavens” (Norwegian), “advance unobstructed” (Japanese), or “reach for the stars” (Chinese) is up to you. Each is equally fitting for this remarkable record.
She is also a certified music practitioner employed at the University of Virginia hospital. In addition, she works with young adults with developmental disabilities and elderly. Learn more at www.blueoconnell.com.
OASIS announces its newest artisan member, jewelry designer Jilli Weigel, whose work includes metal-working and beading, including handcrafted works of silver, brass, copper and aluminum. Her brass and copper works are sealed to prolong their finish. Her aluminum bracelets are graceful yet light and durable for easy care. Her fellow artisans appreciate the innovation in her designs.
OASIS is a merchant participant in the ibogo fundraising/discount program. In January, OASIS presents a new offer to ibogo cardholders—buy one work by digital artist Kathryn Cramer Brown and get $25 off another work by the same artist. It also plans a fundraiser selling the $12 ibogo cards to the community, to help finance programs.
The members’ exhibit “Where the Heart Is…” runs January 6 to February 28. Invited artist Elaine Hurst shows a large mezzanine exhibit “A Different Perspective” through January 30. An opening reception for both exhibits will be held Friday, January 6, 5-7pm with opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy hospitality at OASIS Fine Art & Craft, 103 S. Main St., Harrisonburg. On Friday January 20, Blue O’Connell will perform her unique guitar style and self-penned songs. No charge for these events. For more information, contact [email protected] or 540-442-8188.
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