Port Townsend School of the Arts’ Grover Gallery will present works from Monday Studio with Chris Witkowski in an exhibit which opens Thursday, July 30 and will feature pastel works and oil …
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Port Townsend School of the Arts’ Grover Gallery will present works from Monday Studio with Chris Witkowski in an exhibit which opens Thursday, July 30 and will feature pastel works and oil paintings created during the weekly studio sessions initiated by Witkowski nearly three years ago.
The exhibit, on display through August, is curated by Witkowski herself, and includes two pieces chosen from each participating artist.
On display will be works by Madeline Bryant, Dennis Canty, Cary Smith Hunter, Annie Karl, Meg Lodes, Barbara Luttrell, Claude Manning, Scott Pascoe, Jane Povenmire, Jadyne Reichner, and Elizabeth Reutlinger.
The collective nature of the show is in keeping with the spirit of the sessions, Witkowski said.
“Painting is by nature a solitary endeavor,” she explained. “Sometimes you simply need a trusted opinion or a community of others struggling with similar creative issues to break through a block or a frustrating lack of technique.”
Witkowski reportedly began Monday Studio with a small but dedicated group that grew from three or four regular attendees to 14.
Not everyone shows up every week, she said, but all are invested and serious about their work.
The atmosphere is collegial, but can veer off in humorous directions and is usually capped by a beer over at Taps at the end of the session, she said.
Monday Studio participant Claude Manning said, “I love the open studio concept where I am able to develop works in progress in a collegial group setting. Chris is an exceptional professional artist and skilled art teacher. She has an extensive knowledge of painting media, technique and art history. Her supportive style and insightful observations have been immensely helpful to me in improving and completing my paintings.”
Witkowski is equally enthusiastic about her students’ growth.
“My aim with this group is to meet each student where they are in their own development,” she said. “That varies from a few who are regularly showing their work in galleries to several who are returning to their creative selves after decades of working or raising a family. All have taken classes at [Port Townsend School of the Arts] and all use the Monday Studio format to grow their knowledge base.”
Port Townsend School of the Arts’ Grover Gallery is at 236 Taylor St. The PtSA Grover Gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday to Monday or by appointment.
Visit www.PtArts.org to enjoy virtual tours, view and purchase the exhibit’s paintings.
