Sunday, April 21, 2013

University of Michigan Health Systems Gifts of Art

I've been working on a collection of paintings in anticipation of my solo exhibit to be held in the main lobby of the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor, MI, from June 17 to August 12 of this year (http://www.med.umich.edu/goa/). The theme of my exhibit is "Fields of Flowers." This theme originated a few years ago when I began to paint fields of flowers that are impressionistic, somewhat abstract, and mesmerizing. The works I'm creating are larger than I normally do, partly because I need to fill a wall that is 35 feet long, and because I want them to make an impact.
I call this painting "The Hills Are Alive" because I was compelled to sing that song from The Sound of Music while I painted it. It is a triptych, with a total size of 60" x 30." It is mainly palette-knife painted with thick textures of paint throughout.

The Gifts of Art program at the University of Michigan comprises a variety of arts, including 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art, dance, music, and more. It is estimated that 10,000 people PER DAY pass through the lobby of this amazing medical center. Gifts of Art is a year-round program that changes about every 2 months. A formal reception for the artists is not held because of the nature of the venue, but if you plan to go, please let me know and I'll do my best to be there!

My exhibit was chosen for its soothing quality. I hope that the people who view my paintings will feel the healing love and nurturing spirit that I try to put into all of my art. If you will be in the Ann Arbor area this summer, I encourage you to visit this wonderful medical center! A great time to plan a trip there would be during the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which will be July 17-20. It's a fabulous event, which comprises 4 different art fairs that cover most of the University of Michigan's grounds.

I won't be previewing all of the works in my exhibit, but hope to post some photos of the exhibit after it is in place. Thank you, as always, for your support and encouragement!