FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Vic Mastis
Gateway Gallery
314-4021959
High Res photos available upon request
WHAT: “If This Be Not I”
an exhibit featuring abstract paintings of Sheldon Johnson
WHERE: Gateway Gallery, 21 N. Bemiston Ave, Clayton, MO.
WHEN: May 23 through June 29, 2012, Opening Reception 6 – 9 p.m. June 8
COST: FREE
MORE INFO: www.gatewaygalleryonline.com, 314-402-1959
GATEWAY GALLERY IN CLAYON PRESENTS
“IF THIS BE NOT I”, MAY 23 – JUNE 29
Opening reception held for the artist 6-9 p.m. Friday June 8
Gateway Gallery is excited to be featuring the dynamic abstract paintings of Sheldon Johnson in his exhibit “If This Be Not I”. Guest artists include wildlife photographer Jim Irwin and mixed media artist Marilyn Callahan. This show runs May 23 through June 29 with an opening reception from 6 to 9 pm on Friday June 8 at 21 North Bemiston Ave, Clayton.
Johnson is known for the vibrant color and brushstroke usage that is apparent in each of his abstracts. This show builds on that foundation with a very large politically based painting reflecting today’s political upheaval and inspired by the work of well known painter Philip Guston. The large oil blends abstraction and surreal elements leaving more conceptual symbols to populate his smaller pieces.
Despite an ongoing commitment to his MFA program at Fontbonne University, Johnson has and continues to exhibit widely in the Midwest including Cedarhurst Museum in Mt Vernon, Il, The Foundry Art Centre at St Charles, Contemporary Art Museum, St Louis, and the Kansas City Artists Coalition Gallery. His work is collected nationwide.
Jim Irwin’s photography is largely directed toward wildlife, using the close-up to capture natural features that are usually missed in real time due to the nature of movement in these animals’ lives and the need for humans to not get too close.
His images give us a chance to see the personalities that emerge. A juried artist for Greater St Louis Art Association and Best of Missouri Hands, you will find Irwin’s work shown widely in the St Louis region.
Marilyn Callahan creates ceramic birds with attitude and pastel mosaic–like compositions whose nature reflects that same colorful and imaginative feel. In both mediums, Callahan manages to create poses and expressions that give a sense of Pixar come to life. She is an arts educator in the Lindbergh Schools whose inspiration is derived from the energy and creative excitement of her young students and it is definitely reflected in her work.
GATEWAY GALLERY
Established in 2004, Gateway Gallery is a co-op art gallery exhibiting 16 regional, award-winning artists whose work range from traditional landscape to contemporary abstraction. Ranging media include oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, photography, ceramics, and woodworking. Exhibits typically run every six weeks, featuring one of the gallery’s 16 artists as well as three visiting artists. Located in downtown Clayton, Mo., the gallery is walking distance to other galleries and many of St. Louis’ finest restaurants and cafés, making it a “must-stop” destination for art lovers, art collectors and designers.
Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.GatewayGalleryOnline.com for more information.
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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.
