ARCA’s Red Brick Gallery Displays New Exhibit of ‘Magic and Mystery’

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published April 21, 2017 4:31 am
Image

FOXBURG, Pa. – Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts’ new exhibit of “Magic and Mystery” is on display at the Red Brick Gallery.

Do we see with our eyes or our brain? According to the invisible ships phenomenon, it appears to be our brain. Joseph Banks, botanist on Captain James Cook’s 1770 voyage to Australia wrote that when their ship first approached the coast, the native fishermen virtually paid no attention to the 106-foot long Endeavor passing within a quarter of a mile of them, scarcely looking up from their employment. They supposedly couldn’t see the large ship, because they’d never before seen one.

Perhaps that is why the eye has been called a humble and silent organ. Its light and energy are filtered by what the mind expects to see, giving credence to the adage that we only see what we’re looking for. It also explains the role that artists throughout history have taken, opening new worlds to their viewers – putting what they see and feel into images that invite one to look through the prism of their imagination and emotion.

You can see through the “mind’s eyes” of two delightfully different artists in Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts’ next exhibit in the Red Brick Gallery from April 21 to May 28, 2017 in Foxburg.

“Magic and Mystery” are the inspiration for the artwork of guest artist Bruce Pipman and RBG Cooperative Artist Jason Floyd Lewis.

About Artist Jason Floyd Lewis

Jason Floyd Lewis has been drawing and painting the landscape for over fifteen years. His artistic process has always centered around the naturalistic study of his subject. In his recent work, he has become inspired by the mystery and emotive potential he sees. “The work evolves as I become interested in different characteristics I perceive in the world around me.  During the past winter, I have been observing the landscape in various states of diminishing light and thicker atmosphere.  This has been enabled by the shorter daylight hours of winter and the increased time spent outside in lower light conditions.  The exploration of these motifs has influenced the way I use light in all of my work.”

A native of Clarion, Pa., Lewis is an original member of the Red Brick Gallery Artist Cooperative. His contemporary landscapes in oil, pastel and graphite can be found in the homes of many area residents and are exhibited in several galleries throughout western Pennsylvania as well as in the RBG Gift Shop throughout the season. jasonfloydlewis.com

About Artist Bruce Pipman

Bruce Pipman creates what he calls a magical reality, where objects that look like birds and fish are not that really. His art engages the viewer in observing the artist’s creative steps and seeing through his imagination. “Insight starts with knowing yourself. The viewers complete the picture. I believe that the truth in life lies beneath the surface and in my paintings I try to scratch at that surface.” His exhibited artwork, primarily developed “via acrylics, ink and inspiration”, will include works both new and from recent shows, including “Magical Realism” and “The Poet Speaks”. brucepipman.com

Bruce Pipman always has taken an inventive approach, from professional work as a photographer in early years to his career in the Executive Search Business. He has been creating art since retiring ten years ago — moving from working in the basement of his home to an Amish built studio in his backyard in New Kensington where friends and neighbors stop by to watch him work. Inspired by what artists Milton Avery and Pablo Picasso could do with a couple of lines, Pipman seeks to stimulate his audience to “dream through the lines and color of the image and to look not so much through my eyes as through my mind.” He also puts words on some artwork, wanting the viewer to follow the words into the painting.

Demonstrating that retirement is just the beginning for many Baby Boomers exploring paths not taken earlier in life, Pipman says that working as an artist is as fulfilling as anything he’s ever done. As the father of two sons who have children themselves, it is a joy for him to watch his grandchildren respond to his art. “I’m a Grandpa with the mind of an 18 year old kid.”

The Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop

You can “see” for yourself, through the minds and vision of two superb artists at the Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop, located at 17 Main Street, Foxburg, PA 16036.

The Exhibit runs from Friday, April 21 to Sunday, May 8, 2017.

A Meet the Artists reception will take place on Sunday, May 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. after the concert of the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Players at 2:00 p.m. in Lincoln Hall.

Gallery Hours are Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visit ARCA’s website here.

Jason Floyd Lewis & Bruce Pipman poster.saved copy

Recent Articles

Community Partner