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OUT OF THE ORDINARY
This indeed is a very special exhibit. The Art League was fortunate to have artists of this caliber showing their work here. Greg Jones is the recipient of 850 awards in art exhibitions including over 100 Best in Show awards. He exhibits regularly in outdoor art shows around Florida—you may have seen him locally. He received his undergraduate degrees from Polk Community College, in Winter Haven and the University of South Florida in Tampa. Mike Barickman has an impressive background, showing his work in many exhibits throughout the south. He has a MFA degree in sculpture from the University of Delaware; was awarded Best in Show, Arts in the Park, May 200 and 2004 among many other awards for his work. His work is shown in galleries and has had articles published about his art. And our very own long-time League member, Judy Gilmer, whose work had its own space in the back gallery, complemented Barickman’s art by going from his orange beach balls to her large vibrant paintings. Judy is an accomplished artist with her work being included in collections in America and Europe.
A new member, Mildred Kinbar, gave her view of this exhibit:
PLUMBING THE CREATIVE DEPTHS
OF OUR ARTISTS ON DISPLAY
Gregory Jones is indeed "Out of the Ordinary" in his works of art as he reaches within to free the creative child, the innocent child to create the diverse moods depicted in his paintings all drawn from his life. He moves from the "Large Can of Brushes with Wrench,” the wrench ready to wrest from his waiting brushes the meaning of his work, to movement and gaiety which prevail in his "Dancing Sofas.” His somber "Black Neighborhood" a door with no knob, dark windows that allow no light in, speak to us of the dark moments he dwells upon.
Mike Barickman brings utilitarian objects to his work to create interconnectedness and interdependence in his view of the world. It all begins with a trip inviting the observer to step onto his blue outlined road and observe his collection of objects. There is movement throughout his arc that circles to begin his journey of interdependence. Out of the ordinary, yes, but with meaning for each of us is not to forget the small inconsequential things that tie us together on this planet.
Judy Gilmer's brilliant reds, yellows, oranges pull us in, hold us captivated with their profusion. Gaiety and life prevail in each of the 14 exhibits. Standing primly throughout are her perfectly orchestrated prim kimonos, her memories of the Orient upon which she draws to create the fullness of life she experiences. It is the timelessness of the vast areas of China from which she draws to create her vivid works of art. And “her art is an extension of who she is.”
Out of the Ordinary? — no, “Extraordinary” are these works of art. Each of the artists reach deep within to define life as they feel and know it. Mildred Kinbar |
