Opening Reception | 'A Rural Menagerie'

Elizabeth Kinahan has created a whole new body of work for A Rural Menagerie. Kinahan explains, "This body of work is differentiated by an increased attention to detail of both subject and background, and a shift to smooth hardboard surfaces which take paint differently than the toothy grip of canvas. The elements of color, texture and brushstroke come together to create a narrative of a brief existence, allowing for a silent story to come to life." She also accepted commissions of special pets for this show, a couple of which were displayed in the exhibition.  

Elizabeth Kinahan received her Bachelors of Fine Art degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey in 2004. The following year she packed up the car and headed west, in a move that would transform her creative process immensely. Although she had planned to move to Arizona, a stop in the town of Durango, Colorado became the beginning of a 13 year- and going- love affair with the high desert. Having known from a young age that her life ought to include direct proximity to nature, Elizabeth has found a fulfillment here that she never thought possible. She currently spends her days painting in a small cabin ten miles north of town, where she routinely gets visits from deer, turkeys, bear and foxes. She is a co-owner of Studio & Gallery, in downtown Durango, where you can often find her painting, bookkeeping, and hosting events. Elizabeth’s art strives to add beauty and compassion into the world, and serves to benefit organizations that rescue and protect both wild and domesticated animals.

Thank you to all who attended the Opening Reception and to those who collected a special piece from this show, the Richmond SPCA thanks you for your generosity. Elizabeth is still accepting commissions, so please call the gallery at 804-752-3540 if you are interested! 

Mark your calendars for our next exhibit, April Showers Bring May Flowers, a group show featuring floral themed artwork in a variety of mediums. Opening Reception is May 3, from 5:30-8pm.

Opening Reception | '1 Pond + 4 Acres'

Created over the course of 12 months, these two dozen landscapes depict various views from just four acres of farmland near Ashland. Dan Bartges, a full-time artist since 1996, paints primarily in oils. He has been featured in national and regional exhibitions. His landscapes, still lifes and portraits have been acquired by a number of private and corporate collections including; Marriott, Federal Reserve Bank, Markel, ClubCorp, Owens & Minor, Lockheed Martin, Performance Food Group, Media General and Capital One. He has lectured on art and color at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and other venues. Bartges holds degrees from Hampden-Sydney College (VA) and the University of Richmond (VA) and has studied under several prominent artists, at the Modlin School of Art (U. of Richmond) and the Studio School of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. A native of Florida, he and his family reside in Virginia. When not painting, he enjoys tennis, squash and bicycling.

 

The small plot seemed downright unremarkable at first, yet the longer I stood at the easel in all kinds of weather, the more I noticed the land's ever-changing character. After the first painting, I went searching for the landowner for permission to continue my work on his farm, and I struck a bargain with him:  In return for his not bush hogging around the cow pond for a year, I gave him a painting.

 

If I learned anything during the year, it was about the tremendous natural changes that happen all around us every hour of every day but usually go unnoticed.  The eye and mind take in so much when we take the time to just stand still in one place and patiently observe.

The experience reminds me of what da Vinci once said about staring into a fire or at a stain on a wall -- that when given the chance, the mind will imagine all kinds of possibilities.

 

 

Thank you for joining us for a fun evening! Join us for the highly anticipated solo show, 'A Rural Menagerie', where Elizabeth Kinahan has thoughtfully rendered rural animals, capturing their unique personalities and stories. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to the Richmond SPCA, with Gallery Flux matching the 10% artist donation during out opening night. So come out for some great food, music, art and help us raise money for the SPCA!

 

 

 

'Painting in the Elements'

We had a fabulous time at our workshop 'Painting in the Elements' where artists Joseph Burrough, Kim Hall, Dan Michael, Linda Hollett-Bazouzi, and Maria Reardon gave us an intimate look into painting plein air in the elements! Each artist set up their station in the gallery as though they were outside, including what they would be wearing. Guests were able to walk around, ask questions, watch them paint, and learn tips and tricks to painting in the freezing cold, sticky heat, blowing winds, and busy streets.
 

Kim Hall

Joseph Burrough

Linda Hollett-Bazouzi

 

Dan Michael

Maria Reardon

 

To learn more about these artists and to see their available artwork, please visit our website here!

 

 

 

 

Please join us NEXT Thursday for the Opening Reception of '1 Pond + 4 Acres' a new solo exhibit of oil paintings by Dan Bartges. Created over the course of 12 months, these two dozen landscapes depict various views from just 4 acres of farmland near Ashland.  The reception will be from 5:30-8pm with the artist giving an art talk at 6:30pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Reception | 'Snow | Stillness Covers the Land'

 

Mary O. Dickerson | Starburst in Winter Sky | Fused Glass | $400



Gallery Flux would like to extend a huge thank you to all our loyal supporters and collectors that came out to our February reception for 'Snow | Stillness Covers the Land'! We love hosting receptions and showing the amazing artwork we have to offer. Receptions at Gallery Flux are a casual, fun time where conversation flows easily between artists and friends. It is especially exciting to learn first-hand what inspired the work and the techniques that went into its production. Featuring snow and winter themed artwork in a variety of mediums, this show is a stunning example of the creativity of gallery director Alexis Shockley, whose vision to create a winter wonderland evoking the peaceful stillness of winter was brought to life in this amazing exhibit.

 

 

Participating Artists

Dan Bartges, Tom Bradshaw, Joseph Burrough, Mark Campbell, Bob Carlson, Marla Coleman, Mary O. Dickerson, Amy Donahue, Laura Goetz, Linda Hollett-Bazouzi, Kim Hall, Clinton Helms, Stephanie Joyce, Cri Kars-Marshall, Elizabeth Kinahan, Barbara Kiwak, Brett LaGue, Julia Lesnichy, Andre Lucero, Dan Michael, Suzanne G. Morris, Mary Pedini, Janie Pinney, Maria Reardon, Kathleen Walsh, Kathleen Willingham, Jenny Windsor, Dennis Winston, Bob Worthy, and Jennifer Young

If you enjoyed this exhibit and accompanying receptions, please mark your calendar for our March show, '1 Pond + 4 Acres' a solo exhibit of all new oil painting by local artist Dan Bartges.

 

 

 

 

Opening Reception: Snow | Stillness Covers the Land

After postponing the original opening due to snow (how ironic is that?), we were thrilled to welcome our friends to Gallery Flux for the latest exhibit, Snow: Stillness Covers the Land!  The gallery was a winter wonderland with lovely new works by local artists, evoking the peaceful winter weather. With a range of mediums and subject matter, there was a beautiful array of snowy scenes.

The evening was full of excitement with new faces and lots of great conversation about the compelling artwork. We were grateful to have many of the exhibiting artists in the gallery to introduce to guests and hear the stories and techniques behind the artwork.

Here are some highlights from the evening...

Participating Artists

Dan Bartges, Tom Bradshaw, Joseph Burrough, Mark Campbell, Bob Carlson, Marla Coleman, Mary O. Dickerson, Amy Donahue, Laura Goetz, Linda Hollett-Bazouzi, Kim Hall, Clinton Helms, Stephanie Joyce, Cri Kars-Marshall, Elizabeth Kinahan, Barbara Kiwak, Brett LaGue, Julia Lesnichy, Andre Lucero, Dan Michael, Suzanne G. Morris, Mary Pedini, Janie Pinney, Maria Reardon, Kathleen Walsh, Kathleen Willingham, Jenny Windsor, Dennis Winston, Bob Worthy, and Jennifer Young

If you missed us last night, please mark your calendar for our next Opening Reception on February 1st. We have a wonderful time hosting our friends, artists and first-time guests and would love to see you there!

On exhibit until 2/24 | View the full collection here.

Opening Reception | 6th Annual Miniature Show

| THE 6TH ANNUAL MINIATURE SHOW |

Wow! This might have been our biggest Opening Reception to date, thanks to the amazing artwork and unbeatable affordability of all new oil and acrylic paintings, pastels, encaustics, ceramics, jewelry, woodcuts, and other mixed media works! This show offers clients a chance to invest in Fine Art at reasonable prices from compelling local and regional artists. All artwork featured in this show is priced $400 or less and 8" x 8" or smaller.

Participating Artists

Taylor Adams, Dan Bartges, Linda J Beeman, Coakley Brown, 
Julie Burleigh, Joseph Burrough, David Camden, Susan Cary, Paul DiPasquale, 
Amy Donahue, Louise Ellis, Laura Goetz, Jenna Guthrie, Kim Hall, 
Elaine Hahn, Clinton Helms, Linda Hollett-Bazouzi, Sue Jachimiec, 
Kelly K Johnston, Elizabeth Kinahan, Emma Knight, Brett LaGue, 
Vanna Lam, Bonnie Mason, Dan Michael, Ashley Sauder Miller, 
Suzanne G Morris, Meredith Mullins, Tony Mullins, Matthew Scott Myers, 
Janis O’Grady, Patte Ormsby, Mary Pedini, Christopher Phillips, 
Monica Rao, Lynda Ray, Renee Stramel, Charles Sthreshley, 
Mel Titus, Kathleen Walsh, Deborah Weiss, Laura Williams, 
Kathleen Willingham, Johannah Willsey, Jenny Windsor, Dennis Winston, 
& Mary Jane Zander

Add to your current art collection or begin 

entry level fine art collecting.

shop online for all available works HERE:

Don't wait...on exhibit until December 30th!!

Opening Reception | Kathleen Walsh 'Africa: Women I Met Along the Way'

It's been a busy month at Gallery Flux, but the most recent work from Kathleen Walsh is still resonating with us and we would be remiss if we didn't spotlight her opening and share the inspiration behind the artwork. It was an exciting night as we unveiled the stunning watercolor and mixed media pieces! The response to this work has been extraordinary and the crowd at the opening made for a fun evening!



For 20 plus years Kathleen Walsh lived, worked and raised a family overseas, eight of those years in Africa. During her time there, she built relationships with the local residents and became part of the community. On her trip this past year, she was inspired by the women. She took her sketch book with her and filled it with images of women as they went about their normal daily routines. The sketches inspired large acrylic and mixed media paintings upon her return to her studio in Fredericksburg. She let her creativity flow and the Africa: Women I Met Along the Way series was created.



Watercolor Sketches | 12 x 12 inches

It is difficult to say what in Africa surprised me most. Was it the half marathon run in the unimaginable heat of the Sahara, the handicapped in wheelchairs leading the race? Perhaps it was the miracle of water at an oasis deep within the desert. Maybe the staggering beauty of the orange red sun melting into the horizon at sunset. No. None of these. It was the people. It was the women.

Not one day passed without a gesture of kindness from the people I met on the street.
“I see you are a stranger, may I offer you water?” “I see you are a stranger, would you like to sit in the shade of this tree?” “I see you are a stranger, shall I walk with you so will find your way?” And most recently, “You are American? I will pray for your country.”

In the USA I paint landscapes. In Africa the people became my landscape; the graceful stature of the women, the flow of robes and the flash of light; the energy and strength of the fishermen and farmers. I took these images home with me.

--Kathleen Walsh

Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media | 48 x 24 inches

We invite you to come by the gallery to see these pieces, plus our latest exhibit, the 6th Annual Miniature Show, or if you would rather browse online, click here to see more of our available artwork.

To hear more about Kathleen's inspiration and journey to create this series, watch her Art Talk:

307B England St., Ashland, VA 23005 | 804-752-3450 | www.galleryflux.com | Tues-Fri 11-5 and Sat 11-4

 

Opening Reception | Christopher S. Phillips | 'Memory Lane'

We had a wonderful evening at the opening reception for our newest exhibit, Memory Lane, featuring paintings by Christopher S. Phillips. Phillips' work invites you to reminisce moments in your life, creating an emotional response that takes you down memory lane. He created beautiful landscapes and a conceptional series that explores the journey of life. 

Phillips studied at Pensacola Christian College, earning a BS in studio art. Afterwards, he stayed and earned his MFA under the mentorship of acclaimed biblical illustrator and fine artist, Brian Jekel. He has been influenced by revered illustrators and storytellers such as Dean Cornwell, N.C. Wyeth, and Arthur Rackham. Altogether, Phillips considers himself an illustrator in that he seeks to tell stories and convey truth in all of his creative work.

Phillips resides in Lynchburg, Va. with his wife, Kelsey Phillips – likewise an illustrator – and pet rabbit, Farley. He is a member of the Liberty University art faculty where he teaches painting, drawing, and design classes. As a teacher and illustrator, Phillips’ goal is to bring honor and glory to God and reflect His creativity.

 

 

Watch the video here!

 

Join us next month for our first Thursday reception! Mark you calendar for November 2nd from 5:30-8 p.m. Christopher will be giving another informative art talk during this reception and we would love to see you there! We will also unveil new works by Kathleen Walsh from her recent travels to Africa.

307B England St., Ashland, VA 23005 | 804.752.3540 | www.galleryflux.com  Tues-Fri 11-5 & Sat 11-4

Jennifer Young | Art Talk

A Maine Experience

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Jennifer Young shared her excitement about her recent artist residency in Vinalhaven, ME. After being contacted to come and paint on Vinalhaven, the largest island off the mid-coast of Maine, she spent two weeks this past June soaking up and painting the local beauty. The island "is a place of rocky shorelines, dense forests of pine and spruce, swooping sea birds and quiet, secluded coves." The population is under 1,400 people and did not have street signs until 20 years ago. 

'Island Fog' | Oil on Linen | 8 x 10 inches

Jennifer spent her days exploring the rocky shorelines, setting up her "kit" and painting en plein air. During these excursions, Jennifer would lay down the light and shadow pattern before the weather changed. Fog was a constant part of the weather, but it didn't stop Jennifer. She states, "I enjoy the challenge of painting in fog, you have a small value range, and you have to tease out the details in a scene."

'Cliffside, Lane's Island' | Oil on Linen | 12 x 16 inches

Her favorite place to paint was Lane's Island, a 40-acre preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy with tide pools, rocky and pebble beaches and granite bluffs. Several old granite quarries are now swimming holes. During her time, the lupines, roses and wildflowers were blooming, which she captured in some of her pieces. The changeable weather with rolling fog, seal-sightings and the companionship of local waterfowl awakened her imagination. 

If you missed Jennifer's Artist Talk on September 10th, please watch the video here!

These beautiful pieces will be on display until September 30th, so please feel free to stop by and view the work if you are in the neighborhood. You can also shop online at your convenience at www.galleryflux.com. 

307B England St. Ashland, VA 23005 | 804.752.3540 | Tues. - Fri 11-5, Sat. 11-4

Reception | It All Comes Together | Matthew Scott Myers

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for our reception. It was an eventful night with an art talk by Matthew Scott Myers and a lively birthday celebration for our owner, Hugh Joyce! 

Scott gave an informative art talk providing insight into how he conceptualizes and creates his stunning pieces. He took questions and from our audience about specific works and pointed out small details that offered a different perspective. To watch the full talk, click here.

For example, when describing the following six pieces Scott explained that this is a special tree near his home. He painted one of the strong branches with a bright background color. He liked the way it looked and thought it would be interesting to try another one with another fun background color. That got the ball rolling and he ended up painting four more. Each painting is slightly different and it's fun to challenge yourself to find the subtle differences. 

There are only a couple more weeks to view this exhibit. Don't miss the chance to see the amazing pieces in It All Comes Together! You can also shop at your leisure on our website www.galleryflux.com. Also, check out this video to hear Scott's artist talk during the reception

307B England St., Ashland, VA 23005 | 804.752-3450 | Tues-Fri 11-5 & Sat 11-4