“Performances,” the recently opened exhibit at Town Hall Arts Center’s Stanton Gallery in Littleton, offers a cool picture of the artists’ imagination when given a theme … Lyrics, a memory, bursts of color that look like musical tones to me, photos of animals that appear to be performing, costumed dancers, abstract bursts of form and color …
This collection, juried by Dan Oakleaf, almost creates a swirl of sound in one’s head, just from looking for a while! And, this looks to me like a great exhibit to take a child to: Make up a few stories about what’s happening inside the frames! Maybe do a little dance in the gallery! This seems to be a particularly festive exhibit, which will run until the Western Welcome Week exhibit is installed in early August.
It’s a fine location to find a gift if you have an upcoming wedding, birthday person or graduate in the family! These works are all small to medium-sized, in assorted mediums and techniques, glowing with color or more subtle, if that’s what appeals.
The First Place winner, “Splintered Forms” by Judith Bennett, is described as “a hand-painted collage, in acrylics and ink.” It really dances in front of a viewer, suggesting constant motion! And the precise shapes speak of an artist’s skill and control over her medium.
Juror Oakleaf said this was a really difficult show to judge — excellent work is the norm here.
He is a Colorado native, whose website works show a close tie to nature.
As does photographer William Knoll, with his warbling meadowlark, “Singing With Heart,” and pair of crested ducks who appear to be warbling a duet.
Another photo with a real sense of humor is Carl Paulson’s daffy dancing crane: “Doing the Hokey Pokey.” It’s a “don’t miss,” on the left wall as you enter. Some works are inspired by lyrics, while others picture performers, such as Peggy Dietz’s “Traditional Tlingit Dancer,” who is very much in motion as we stand in front of her colorful, carefully composed photograph. Another Native American portrait is Pat Hartman’s subtle “Tribal Pride,” showing an elder in ceremonial dress.
Sally Van Der Kamp’s glass panel, “In the Limelight,” catches lights in the room and glows, while Merrie Wicks’ “Calypso” dances in its frame. Sue Williams takes us traveling with her sunny “Montmarte Art Market,” where I thought I heard music in the background …
The Depot Art Gallery, also filled with Littleton Fine Art Guild member’s artwork, has a show that runs through April 30: “The Great Outdoors.” Two short member pop-up shows will follow, then on May 16, the 61st Anniversary Show will open at the Depot.
The Depot, which is owned by the City of Littleton, courtesy of the late Varian Ashbaugh, became the Guild’s home in 1976, with aid from a grant honoring a U.S. birthday. Members, and their families, scrubbed and painted the old Santa Fe Depot, which had sat unused in Bega Park for a period, until it was moved to the present Powers Avenue site by Ashbaugh, a businessman who sculpted in his spare time.
Exhibits change often and prospective members are encouraged to inquire about joining this active group.
The Stanton Gallery at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main Street in downtown Littleton, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during performances.
The Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave. in downtown Littleton, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
