"Reflections": New Work by Donazetti and Corrigan (back)
This Saturday, as part of Downtown Cumberland's "Arts Walk", the Arteco Gallery will open "Reflections" an exhibition of unique woven copper pieces of all sizes by Suzanne Donazetti, and a selection of new original prints by Bob Corrigan. This opening "Art Party" will be catered by Jennifer's Desserts, and will be open to the public 5 to 8 PM.
"I am delighted to be presenting a show of this caliber by two artists we can genuinely call "our own." says Jerri Dell, Arteco Gallery owner and director. Although Donazetti now resides in Columbia Maryland, and Corrigan makes his home in Bedford, Pennsylvania, they both are well known in the Allegany arts community. Donazetti lived in Cumberland for several years before moving to New Mexico, where the techniques and style of her work evolved in many interesting and unusual ways. Corrigan is noted for his willingness to try new things, and to work in a wide variety of mediums. Although best known for his work in acrylic on canvas, Corrigan has recently concentrated on printmaking, exploring its possibilities, and honing these new skills.
"Suzanne's work in metal is unlike anything I've seen before, says Dell. "Her pieces range in size from 13"x15" triptychs to 5"x5" tiles and many sizes in between. In some of her pieces, the colors are vibrant and the mood dramatic. In others, the colors are muted and the mood subdued. In fact, much of what I like best of her work is its variety and originality."
Says Suzanne Donazetti, "I am delighted to be sharing the Arteco Gallery space with Bob Corrigan. He and I are old friends, a friendship based on our mutual love of abstract arts. In a world full of realistic, representational art, Bob and I have been among a group of rebels in Cumberland who have immersed ourselves in the creation of abstract contemporary artwork. We enjoy exploring new materials and techniques. Bob has a great sense of humor, which I enjoy, and which helps me avoiding taking my own work too seriously." Comparing the work of these two artists, their differences and similarities are striking. While they share a process of layering their paintings, they use different languages of color. For instance, Donazetti uses quite a lot of green in her work; while Corrigan, prefers more intense colors, and will minimize his use of green. While the two artists work separately, and in different mediums, they both reflect and conceptualize; think and critique their pieces with energy and enthusiasm.
"When Jerri and I first discussed this show which was conceived as a solo exhibition, I thought it would be more fun to pair my work with Bob's. I think both our art styles emerge from an intense reflection on color and process. Putting this show together has been challenging in many ways, and I look forward to people's reactions to it."
The Arteco Gallery is located at 60 Pershing Street (next to Merchant's Alley and across the street from the District Court building) in Downtown Cumberland. Gallery hours are Thursday thru Sunday, 11-5 p.m. or By Appointment by calling (301)707-3717.