The Community Council for the Arts invites the public to a reception tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Arts Center located at 400 N. Queen St. This event honors artists exhibiting at the Arts Center from tonight through March 14.
Featured artists at the Arts Center include: Dr. Laddie Crisp, Jr. (photography) in the Hampton Gallery; Brandon Dudley (photography and portrait paintings) in the permanent collection gallery); and beginning Feb. 19, Connie Winters (oil paintings) in the Minges Gallery.
HAMPTON GALLERY — Local doctor Laddie Crisp, Jr. highlights both the well-known and overlooked architectural landmarks in Kinston and Lenoir County in his show, Kinston and Its Surroundings: Through Another Light. Buildings of historical significance, structures of a by-gone era, and popular places of worship are assembled to identify and celebrate a community well-lived.
Dr. Crisp says, “My recent series of Kinston and its surroundings focuses on our community. I want others to see it through another light. I feel that we often pass by scenes every day that deserve a second look. Maybe there are distractions that keep us from looking deeper. Often I see promise in what may initially appear ordinary. The subjects chosen were diverse. Some were chosen for their esthetic beauty, some for historic importance and some were chosen for their economic or social importance to our community. My series is not yet been completed.”
While the naked eye might see obvious differences between the well-kept and frequented buildings from the dilapidated and long-forgotten, Dr. Crisp’s lens and his use of vibrant, pigmented inks helps the viewer appreciate these images in a different light. He exposes a consistent ethereal view of each construction in each frame, masterfully using the technique of High-Dynamic-Range photography (HDR) to achieve this effect.
Dr. Crisp’s artistic process is applied to facilitate and influence each scene, but it is the passion for his subject matter which successfully renders the luminance achieved. Whether the picture is of a general store or a hall of the faithful, a forty-four soldier tomb or “The Magic Mile,” Dr. Crisp’s exhibit assures the viewer that, in another light, the new and old are equal in beauty and for future generations will continue on.
PERMANENT COLLECTION GALLERY — Kinston native Brandon Dudley is a young artist whose work is on display not only as a fitting tribute recognizing Black History Month, but also as a refreshing testament to the dedication of emerging artists. Dudley is showing graphite drawings, photographs and oil portrait paintings.
Mr. Dudley says, “I’m captivated by The Old Masters, realism and the human figure, especially portraiture. My goal as a portrait artist is to create portraits that will stand the test of time as compelling works of art, alive with the personality of both artist and subject. I think of my work as an examination of humanity through the depiction of form — elevating the humanity of each individual and to explore the unique character and personal strengths of my subjects.”
MINGES GALLERY — Connie Winters enjoys the use of color. Her vibrant Impressionist-style paintings reflect this esthetic sensitivity. “I see so much color and I’m drawn to it,” she remarks, “I think I see more than most people; while some would look at a road and see gray asphalt, I will see shades of lavender, blue and even red. It’s just the way it appears to me.”
Winter’s expressive way of using color enables her to paint lush scenes with rich, brilliant hues. Her paintings capture both the splendor of blossoming spring gardens and the serenity of intimate interiors. Sunny landscapes teaming with thriving flowers convey her desire of “expressing happiness” and her passion as a gardener. Floral blossoms are cultivated on canvas, with the key ingredient of color, “When I’m painting, it’s almost like a puzzle, putting colors together,” she explains. “Putting cool reds and warm reds together creates such excitement. Excitement involves the viewer.”
Although Winters has painted most of her life, she did not initially set out to become a professional. Over the course of time, she developed her skills and today her work is exhibited in seven well known galleries in the Southeast. Ms. Winters travels frequently and runs a popular Painting in Provence program each year, which allows students to travel to France to study painting. Her paintings often reflect her travels through Europe and reveal her fascination with the countryside of Provence, France and Tuscany, Italy. When not traveling, Ms. Winters makes Matthews, North Carolina her home. Her work may be viewed on her website at www.conniewintersart.com.
The Community Council of the Arts is pleased to have Winters as a judge in this year’s 34th Annual Competitive Exhibition, which will be on display March 26 through April 18. She also will serve as a guest instructor for a three-day oil painting workshop at the Arts Center entitled, Creating with Light and Shadows.
Displayed artwork by Crisp, Dudley and Winters is available for sale at the Arts Center. In addition, the Arts Center Gift Shop has calendars available for purchase. These calendars by Dr. Crisp feature many of the works seen on display in the Hampton Gallery. In addition to the featured gallery artists, a seascape painting, entitled Northern Shore, is on display by Judy Sanders. Sanders is recognized as the Lenoir County Artist League’s February Artist of the Month. This work is also available for purchase.
For more information about this free exhibition, please contact The Arts Center at 252-527-2517 or go online at www.kinstoncca.com.