Dean Justice at the Opening: "FLUX" The Legacy of Keith Howard
Bevier Gallery, Booth Building 7a at Rochester Institute of Technology
It is important to let those people around you know how much they mean to you. Thanksgiving this year has a backdrop of distress around the world, with no easy fix in sight. The timing was also appropriate to celebrate the legacy of an influential colleague of mine at Rochester Institute of Technology with a show titled: "FLUX" in memory of Keith Howard who passed away suddenly earlier this year. On hand for the opening was our Dean, Lorraine Justice who introduced Keith's widow, Bernice Cross.
The prints that Keith made are reminders that along with his character as an inventor, there was also a gifted artist who had a very wry sense of humor which is present in the images now on view. The plates for these prints are often quite large and they reflect his expertise in color intaglio printmaking.
In December a companion show will open at Gallery r on College Avenue, so a visitor will have a greater chance to see the work that Keith made especially since during his lifetime he didn't show this artwork in our area. Keith did have an exhibition of his Eve paintings at Axom Gallery a few years back, but I know he made over a hundred of these works, and published many of the best ones in a hard bound book form. We are only just now beginning to see the depth that he achieved in his art.
Bob Heischman in "Winter Harvest"
at Ock Hee's Gallery
Honeoye Falls, New York
We drove down to Honeoye Falls, to go and see "Winter Harvest" at Ock Hee's Gallery, and this is her final group show that is the capstone to a ten year run as an art gallery and gift store. My colleague, Bob Heischman was there to greet people, and share a set of his new gouache paintings, and he was one of seven artists featured in this show. Included in this line-up were sculptors Olivia Kim and Jason Tennant, and some colorful quilt pieces by Bette Rogers. Ock Hee was given a wonderful send-off in the Democrat & Chronicle this past week, and she will now devote her time to gardening and garden design. She really provided a strong sense of the value of visual art and her gallery will be missed, I am thankful to have been among the artists she promoted in her gallery space.
Melissa Matson and her Poetry Pocket
and Olive Simple Vest
at The Mill Art Center
Honeoye Falls, New York
Since we were in Honeoye Falls, we drove a little ways to The Mill Art Center, to see the Annual Member Show, and there are some unique items in this current exhibition. I was taken with the fun portrait of Wendell Castle by Edith Lunt Small and also some landscapes including a painting by Phyllis Bryce Ely with a slashing surf along the coast of Killarney. My favorite works were two vests made from printed materials by Melissa Matson who is also the chief violist for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. These two pieces are beautifully put together and the textures and details are worth the drive over there.
Edith Lunt Small
Portrait of Wendell Castle
mixed media
at The Mill Art Center
Thank you to all the artists who gave me so much pleasure, and also something to think about during the year. I enjoy writing about what I see and hope to continue to do more of the same in the coming year, if you enjoy this blog, share it with a friend... THANKS!
