The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of April, is exhibiting paintings by Michael Simon, angling artist who has been painting beautiful fishes and their equally beautiful surroundings for over 50 years.
He was born in New York City’s Greenwich Village and has painted trout, trout flies, and trout waters since he was a ten year-old casting his first lines into New Jersey streams. In 1980 he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Colorado and while residing in Boulder, was commissioned to paint the endangered Greenback cutthroat for Rocky Mountain National Park. His fascination with the trout species led to work at a fish hatchery in California, tying flies professionally for Hank Rogers, Inc. in Colorado, and working as a ranger-naturalist at Yellowstone National Park. His Marvelously detailed renderings of game fish have appeared in many national magazines, among them: Trout, Fly Rod and Reel, Fly Fishing the West, Colorado Outdoors, Fly Fisherman, and Virginia Wildlife.
In 1984, Simon was chosen to create the limited edition poster commemorating the 25th anniversary of Trout Unlimited. His work has also graced the publications of American Wildlands and The Federation of Flyfishers. Simon’s paintings have been shown at New York’s Crossroads of Sport Gallery, Cudahy’s Gallery and Gallery Mayo in Richmond, Virginia, and at the prestigious Parks Reece Gallery in Livingston, Montana. Among His book illustrations are Trout Bum by John Gierach and the Yellowstone Association’s definitive book on Park fishes, Freshwater Wilderness by John D. Varley and Paul Shullery. The original watercolors and drawings from Freshwater Wilderness were acquired by the Federation of Flyfishers and are in their permanent collection at the FFF Education Center in Livingston. Annually, the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writer’s Association presents awards to writers, photographers and artists for their outdoor-related efforts.
Michael Simon was the proud recipient of their 2010 first-place award for his painting of an Atlantic Salmon which was published in the Atlantic Salmon Journal.
An Opening Reception will be held April 4, 5:00-7:00pm and the public is encouraged to come and meet the artist after he speaks briefly about his work. An exciting addition to the opening reception will be a demonstration of a unique watercolor process by local artist Joy Tartter.
In the Upstairs Hallway Gallery, Waynesboro’s own Kevin Blackburn of Kevin Blackburn Photography will be exhibiting a series of images created while following the Generals minor league baseball team. Blackburn is recognized for his dramatic and innovative photographic lightning techniques. His work successfully integrates exciting color and strong composition that suits his individual and industrial clients. He treats each assignment as an editorial essay, stressing compelling images that communicate the story. The Members Gallery will present works of art by SVAC members featuring the themes of figures and altered books. Do not miss the folk art acrylic paintings of Ken Schwartz which will be featured in the Docent Room.
Come join the gathering of folks seeking creative inspiration, camaraderie, and sharing of techniques through art activities and classes! Go to the SVAC website to learn more about classes in beading, watercolor painting, and ceramic pinch pots. Young artists should check out the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, ages 6 – 10, presenting a creative art experience for children from 11 – 1:00pm. Contact the art center for specific information, cost, and pre-registration for each class or group. Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists. Apply on line at www.SVACart.com. Gallery
The art center is celebrating its retail alliance partnership with the Artisan Center of Virginia. In the SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia.
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