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ART! Peace of Work, Theresa Girard and Richard Abarno at Air Studio Gallery
The opening reception for “Peace of Work”, new paintings and works on paper by Theresa Girard will be held on Friday, June 7th from 5 to 8pm at Air Studio Gallery, 198 Railroad Avenue in Westerly.
AiR presents its 13th exhibition during Westerly’s First Friday Arts Crawl. In this month’s exhibition “Peace of Work” showcases new paintings and works by Theresa Girard. The exhibition is accompanied with sculptures by Richard Abarno.
Theresa Girard’s new paintings center around the idea of peace. Peace of what was, peace in silence, peace from disturbance, peace in the studio. In several works we find her returning to paper as a surface to paint on. She says “It felt good to get reacquainted with its feel and versatility.
A native of Providence RI Theresa crafted her own education studying early 20th Century contemporary artists. As a color expert in a large manufacturing company, Theresa advanced to the top of her career in marketing, education, and training.
She has been a teacher of adult education for over 30 years and is a nationally sought after facilitator of a variety of “workshops for creative people.” As an abstract painter Theresa is known for her expert use of color. Her work has many layers creating a history within each piece. At the outset, Theresa navigates the creative process with curiosity and uncertainty, not knowing if it will yield bold marks, textured surfaces, or tranquil subtlety. She is searching making space for the painting to dominate the interaction. We can clearly see this journey in the largest painting in the exhibition “Windswept” at 48×60 inches.
For Theresa, a successful painting communicates beyond words, engaging viewers in a personal dialogue and prompting intimate interpretations. In Peace of Work, Theresa poses the question Can art instill peace in the viewer?
Drawing from influences as diverse as folk art and outsider artists, Richard Arbano invites viewers on a whimsical journey of curiosity where animals take on anthropomorphic qualities and everyday objects are imbued with playful charm. For Richard, “There is something powerful and rewarding in creating simply for the happiness of others.” Born out of a lifelong passion for creativity and craftsmanship, Richard’s journey from early years spent in his father’s toy shop, to Parsons School of Art and Design, and subsequent careers as a graphic designer, advertising photographer and illustrator. Richard turned to sculpture at his studio in Charlestown RI, bringing many ideas in his sketches to life, culminating
in a delightful collection of sculptures that defy convention and ignite the imagination.
Many of Richard’s pieces are made from paper, clay, paper-mache, wire, wood, or a combination of any of the above. The process can be incredibly time consuming, yet it is necessary to perfect the details.
In Richard’s artist statement he says “Thorton Dial, a recognized outside artist, once said, Art ain’t about paint. It ain’t about canvas. It’s about ideas. I find that quote at the heart of what I do.” We see this clearly in his sculptures. From “Unsafe at any speed,” to the endearing “Cuddle Fish” each sculpture speaks to Richard’s boundless creativity, humor, and dedication to spreading joy through art.
AiR Studio Gallery hours are Thursday – Sunday 1-6pm or by appointment. Online at airstudiogallery.net
About Air Studio Gallery – Creating & Curating Contemporary Art for the Community. Opened in Dec 2023, AiR brings something fresh to the arts community in Westerly, blurring the line between gallery, studio, and something altogether new. With three rooms and an abundance of space, visitors will find exhibitions that brings together artwork in surprising and inventive ways.
Richard Abarno
The creation of these sculptures is a partially, loosely defined act of rebellion after far too many years in the arena of the commercial and advertising world .
Born from sketches that nibble around my brain…without constraints, predetermined concepts or the influence of assignments – their evolution into three dimension is an interesting transformation. And surprising.
There is, I believe far more to them than their initial whimsicality. And at the very least something to observe and consider in their subtle complexities.
Construction: Most of the sculptures are made with wire, paper, wood, paper clay and other assorted materials. I try to make all the parts to keep a consistent look and value for each piece.
To learn more about the Gallery and the artists, go to:
Fabulous!!!!