Local painter and pastel artist Diane Fechenbach was juror for the new exhibit, “Carry Me Away,” at the Littleton Fine Arts Guild’s Depot Art Gallery, which will run through Feb. 27.
Members had a wide range of possibilities for subject matter. The title could be taken literally: cars, trains, planes, buses — anything that could physically carry one away … or more figuratively, as in a dream/thought, an ideal place, such as Merrie Wicks’ oil painting, “Peace,” focusing on a quiet mountain stream …
The exhibit opened Jan. 11 — minus the usual reception, due to COVID — and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are required for all visitors and/or the exhibit can also be viewed online, at depotartgallery.org.
Fechenbach’s artist statement, found online, relates to the painting by Wicks: “My passion is dramatic light and shadow …” Light reflects in Wick’s flowing stream and one can almost hear its soft sound as it passes over rocks and pebbles and small plants and critters.
Other paintings are in definite contrast, such as Teri Hendrix’s bright abstract painting: “Into the Rabbit Hole,” a very contemporary interpretation of Alice’s adventures in swirling oranges, compared to the traditional Tenniel images in the original Lewis Carroll version of the treasured “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
We also received an image of photographer Carl Paulson’s “Horses in Nebraska,” a portrait of three curious horses looking at a viewer over a fence, perhaps hoping for some quiet conversation and maybe a pat on the nose? Or a juicy apple or carrot?
The Littleton Fine Arts Guild’s many members also exhibit artwork at Littleton Town Hall’s Stanton Gallery, and in mini-exhibits at the Arapahoe Justice Center, Smokin’ Fins Restaurant on Littleton’s Main Street, Nixon’s Coffee Shop in Englewood and at Vita Senior Living on Littleton Boulevard, changing monthly.
New members of the guild members are welcomed and are expected to participate in/help with exhibits and activities throughout the year. Dues are $45 a year. Members meet monthly, hold four dinner meetings a year, participate in Western Welcome Week, hold a yearly Plein Air Festival, and typically stage monthly receptions as exhibits change. Members pay a 20% commission on sales of their works at the gallery, which operates with volunteer help, but has expenses such as insurance and advertising. The City of Littleton owns the Depot Art Gallery’s historic 1881 Santa Fe Railroad Depot, one of several similar-sized and designed depots across the nation that have moved to uses by artists.
The guild sets themes for exhibits annually, with some exhibits open to public participation and others limited to members.
“Carry Me Away” would be a good exhibit to bring a child to, with mostly relatable images, bright color and a nice variety of subjects. The small scale of the old building and its next-door caboose gallery is perfect for visits by smaller people, who grow a bit with each visit …
Look for work by Artist of the Month Joyce Murphy in the back room.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, public events frequently are canceled or rescheduled. Check with organizers before you go.