‘Florida Abstracted’ exhibit opening at Watson MacRae Gallery
A new exhibition, “Florida Abstracted,” opening on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Watson MacRae Gallery, presents the work of Darby Bannard and Hollis Jeffcoat, two exciting and acclaimed artists, who both left the high-life of New York for the high-color of Florida.
This exhibit features the oil stick paintings created by Bannard in response to his new home state’s lush, colorful landscape and Jeffcoat’s recent evocative work of Sanibel and her childhood of swimming in the Gulf. With different styles and approaches to abstract painting, they display in this work their mutual dedication and commitment to making art that is both masterful and soulful.
Bannard, who is Professor of Art at Miami University, has exhibited since 1965 in most of the major museums in the United States and published more than 300 articles and art reviews. Jeffcoat has also exhibited extensively in the U.S., Canada and France, with many museum exhibits to her credit.
As Henry Eckert, long time gallerist of Robert Rauschenberg said, “Abstract art is an acquired taste.” In that case “Florida Abstracted” is a gourmet meal for those who love abstract art as well as, very accessible for those who want to understand it better.
An opening reception will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jeffcoat and Bannard will attend the opening and will speak about their work and their experiences in the art world at the Artists’ Talk on Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Watson MacRae Gallery is located at 2340 Periwinkle Way #B3 in The Village Shops on Sanibel. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 472-3386 for more details.