The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of August, is exhibiting the works of watercolor artist, Peg Sheridan, whose most recent work has taken two parallel avenues.
In the past few years, she has become very interested in plein air painting. Sheridan has participated in a few plein air events, most notably the Bath County Plein Air Festival (2013 and 2014). But mostly, she has explored and painted local areas with artist friends.
Sheridan says, “In my studio I have developed my own unique way of painting, which involves distilling landscapes into simple, more abstract compositions. Some of the landscapes are from my memories or imagination. They are often painted on wet paper, and I let the paint blend and run.”
At first glance, it may seem that these are two different paths. It turns out that these parallel bodies of work have much in common. In essence, she uses a process that involves a clear plan for a simple idea, and getting it down in as few brush strokes as possible. When painting this way, she must concentrate intently on how the paint, paper, and water are reacting to each other. She feels that this process takes advantage of the best qualities of watercolor; its ability to flow and surprise, and its beautiful transparency. She likes to leave some of the details out of the paintings, so that the viewer also inserts his or her own images and memories into the scene.
An opening reception will be held Saturday, August 1, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the public is encouraged to come and meet the artist.
In the Members Gallery will be works of art inspired by using the theme of summer and interpreted by our member artists. Come joint the fun and discussion as we view these creative works
Back by popular demand, SVAC presents “Lunch with an Artist.” Join us August 19 in the central gallery as we invite a famous artist, played by a local actor, to join in a lively conversation as we enjoy a three course luncheon prepared by our own culinary artist, Myra Brown. The guest artist will be a surprise! Tickets are $40 each with pre-registration.
Come enjoy the gathering of folks seeking creative inspiration, camaraderie, and sharing of techniques through art activities and classes. Please join us for a free open studio opportunity on third Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with the Art Trading Card Group. Watercolor classes, taught by Pat Garnet, are designed to meet the needs of the student. Come once, or come every week! Learn from a master! Bring paint, brushes, paper, and creativity each Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with an $11 fee per selected session. Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists. Apply online at www.svacart.com.
The Fall Foliage Festival Art Show application for the show to be held on October 10 and 11 is online and available to professional artists. Recently the show was voted one of the top three art events in Virginia by “Virginia Living” magazine.
The art center is a retail alliance partner 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 and SVAC member artists.
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 122 S. Wayne Avenue. Galleries are open to the public 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com.
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