Released: February 9, 2016
Santa Fe Community College’s Visual Arts Gallery presents Nature at Play, a two-person exhibition of paintings by Santa Fe artists Christina Hall-Strauss and Noël Hudson from Feb. 25 to April 13. The opening reception is Thurs., Feb. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery.
This exhibition presents how two veteran painters source ideas and impressions from the natural world. Both artists are widely exhibited and are represented in numerous public and private collections. This is the first time their work will be shown together.
This exhibit includes these special events:
· Feb. 25: Opening Reception. 5 to 7 p.m., at the Visual Arts Gallery, SFCC campus
· Mar. 3: Artist’s Talk with Christina Hall-Strauss and Noël Hudson. In the Visual Arts Gallery from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
“This recent body of work acknowledges my treasured source of inspiration, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge,” Hudson said. “Focusing on the magical world of intricate patterns and variation of colors that appeared to me in the abundant, grassy wetlands lying beneath the cottonwood trees and hugging the canals and ponds. The rich history and culture of New Mexico, the vast open spaces and the beauty of the land as well as aspects of higher consciousness continue to significantly contribute to both my inner life and my creative life.” Noël Hudson’s work in this exhibit includes oil paintings and collage.
Christina Hall-Strauss’s acrylic on canvas paintings are begun through the textural application of paint onto a primed ground and are developed through a unifying ground color. Hall says “my artwork explores the rhythms, tensions and harmonies of the natural world, reflecting my sensory perception of patterns, energies, atmospheres and relationships. The cycling of the New Mexico seasons, flights of birds, native flora, the Río Grande and other rivers and arroyos, continually visit my paintings. I invite the viewer to experience with me the interplay of color and movement, form and texture in my interpretations of nature.”
Clark Baughan, Director of Galleries for SFCC observes that Noël Hudson’s paintings “manifest a kinetic energy and brushwork that are sourced from her many years of direct observation and appreciation for the natural world. Her paintings employ the lyrical line and graphic precision that are hallmark of Noël’s inspired touch with the brush. Christina Hall-Strauss paintings have a quiet tension and beauty that I genuinely admire. Her work showcases the presence and impact of a mature artist. It’s a singular pleasure to be able to represent these two terrific painters together. They complement and contrast each other in a dynamic fashion.”
SFCC’s Visual Arts Gallery is open to the public, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free.
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