Two new shows open at depot

The first Red Wing Arts Association shows of 2013 begin next weekend.

“Still Life: Ordinary Objects Made Beautiful” opens Jan. 5 and runs through Feb. 26. The goal of the exhibit is to point out the beauty in objects and scenes people normally take for granted, organizers said.

The concept of still life originated in the Middle Ages and in ancient Greek and Roman art. Today’s still life pieces often include typical inanimate objects, usually commonplace items such as vases, books and coins.

Several area artists will have work on display while this show runs in the Vedeer Gallery, including Chap Achen, Brian Doolittle, Art Kenyon, Connie Ludwig, Ken Olson and Jean Sherlock.

The Red Wing Arts Association also will offer a show of works by the nationally recognized artist Fred Somers during the same timeframe.

The gallery show opening Jan. 5 reflects a different aspect of Somers’ work than some may be familiar with as a Red Wing Arts Association Plein Air Artist, the RWAA said.

The show will include more than 20 recent pieces of work both large and small.

“I seek to bring to others an experience of the beauty of light as it bathes creation and to point them to a pathway that reaches into eternity,” Somers said.

Since 1975, Somers has painted full time in his studio near Northfield, Minn. In 1984 he was recognized as the American Swedish Artist of the Year by the American Swedish Institute of Minneapolis and the Emigrants Museum in Sweden. He has taught and exhibited works in Scandinavia.

He also has won numerous awards from the International Association of Pastel Societies where he is a Master Pastellist.

Somers’ show, which also will run through Feb. 26, will be in the Red Wing Depot Gallery.

An artist talk will be held at the gallery on Monday Jan. 7 starting at 6:30 p.m. with Somers. Art enthusiasts, students and teachers are encouraged to attend. Somers will share his creative reflections and techniques to adapt work from small to large. He also will talk about the process to capture a scene and compose a painting.

An opening reception is planned for both shows from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 5 at the depot.

The reception and shows are open to the public at no charge. The gallery’s winter hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

The Red Wing Arts Association will hold 13 shows in Red Wing Depot Gallery in 2013. The schedule can be found at www.redwingartsassociation.org/calendar.htm. For more information on the shows, galleries or arts association, call 651-388-7569 or email info@rwarts.org.

Tags: arts and entertainment, red wing, lifestyle, arts