Before you head to your favorite fireworks show or backyard barbecue, stop by Rowe Fine Art Gallery on Friday, July 4, at 4 p.m. for an interactive paint-out that begins outside the gallery and continues indoors. Free Spirits, a show that salutes artistic creativity and determination, gets started with a bang when painters Jen Farnsworth, Lynn Heil and Gary Jenkins set up their easels and demonstrate their craft for all who wander by. Inside the gallery, see new works from award-winning painters, sculptors and jewelers. The show runs through July.
In addition to demonstrating, Jen Farnsworth will debut her newest oil painting. “With the ‘free spirits’ theme of the July show, I hope my new bison painting, Still Standing My Ground, reflects the enduring wild spirit that is in all living beings,” says Jen. “The majestic bison is known for its strength and resilience even under the most difficult circumstances. Hunted almost to extinction, the bison is rising again to claim its place as one of the most iconic, powerful animals of the West. I painted my ‘free spirit’ bison with a striking mix of powerful colors and brush strokes to convey his majestic spirit, and yes, he is still standing his ground.”
Gary Jenkins plans to continue cultivating a 30-inch by 30-inch gallery-wrapped mixed media piece during the paint-out. “I will be demonstrating how to paint cacti and showing people the colors I use,” says Gary. “I’m looking forward to talking about the orbs and hummingbirds I incorporate into my paintings and explaining the reasons why they keep showing up in my work. I try to incorporate a spiritual quality in my art so when a client takes a painting home it fills their lives with love and joy.”
For artist Lynn Heil, painting outside is all in a day’s work. Lynn creates his paintings en plein air, regardless of the weather, so even if it’s hot or storming on July 4, he’s all in. “I'm looking forward to painting with Jen and Gary, two phenomenal artists, and also chatting with anyone who may be curious about how I approach outdoor painting,” says Lynn.
In addition to the painters, bronze wildlife sculptor and gallery owner Ken Rowe will debut his newest bronze sculpture, The Defender. The piece, a maquette version of a possible 60-inch tall commission for a private residence, features a bald eagle grasping an American flag and three arrows.
Ken says he’s had the concept in mind for years, and he’s excited to see it come to fruition just in time for America’s 249th birthday. “It’s my first patriotic sculpture,” he says, “and it’s completely made in America, from the artist and the clay to the bronze foundry. Collectors should know, though, that it’s not intended to be political, just patriotic.”
Happy Fourth of July from Rowe Fine Art Gallery!
Also check out other Arts events in Sedona, Fine Arts events in Sedona.
