The Gathering Place Art Galleries

Artwork by Eileen O'Connor

Eileen O'Connor Artist Statement

Indelible Impressions

My very first painting ”en plein air” was done right here, at The Gathering Place, many years ago. I am grateful for the healing power of Norma's Garden---such a beautiful, peaceful space, where we can take a moment to stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of even the smallest gifts in nature. Although I had been painting for 10 years at the time, I didn't know that there was a term for painting outdoors. It's called "en plein air" painting. And I had no idea that it would come to be my passion.

The thing that intrigues me is the idea of capturing a moment in time. It's a challenge to represent the 3-dimensional beauty of nature on a 2-D canvas with only pigment to depict light, shadow and form, and to recreate indelible impressions you see at a glance or in a fleeting moment. My hope is that when people see my paintings, they are drawn into a place where all stress melts away and they can focus wholly for a moment, seeking and appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds us.

In the Gallery, you will see examples of my work:

· Still life studies that help me to see how light and color temperature wraps around a form,

· Smaller plein air paintings completed outdoors, and

· Some of the corresponding larger studio paintings.

To the leaders, staff and each and every volunteer & patron who, together, make a visit to The Gathering Place like coming into the comfort and security of loving hug for survivors and our families: I thank you. This is no small feat! And it is my honor to be able to donate 20% of the proceeds of this Art Show Sales to help keep the oh-so-vital programming at The Gathering Place free of charge.

Feel free to email me at Eileen@EileenOConnorFineArt.com with any questions about my art.

Thank you!

Eileen O’Connor Email: Eileen@EileenOConnorFineArt.com

Website: www.EileenOConnorFineArt.com

Please join us for an art reception at TGP East on Saturday, June 8^th from 11am to 1pm.

Artwork by Jūris Čiurlionis

40 Years in the Basement; Fine Arts from Below Grade

Jūris Čiurlionis Artist Statement

Always looking for a “Eureka”.

Hence my approach to my three areas of interest-painting, mosaics and wands (wands not displayed here) -is expressionist. To me it means to approach the field of activity without any preconceived parameters.

When painting color is applied haphazardly until something begins to be revealed. The field is then worked in greater detail until I am convinced that it is either finished or a failure.

In mosaics store bought tile is smashed or cut and adhered. In this manner of tile work it is remarkable how destruction and creation become one continuum. Many of my mosaics were designed to be able to be installed in tiling remodeling projects or to be outside.

With wands it is found objects.

Do I always follow the above? Nope. Recently I've been adding architectural tape to the field to present a dichotomy.

If the work piques your interest and you wish to know more email me at jurisciurlionis@gmail.com.

Jūris Čiurlionis Group and One man shows:

2024 40 Years in The Basement, Fine Arts from Below Grade , Cleveland Ohio

2020 Paintings from the walls of the Friends – Čiurlionio namai, Vilnius

1998 Quartet, Lemont, IL

1997 Wands, Vilnius, LT

1990 Chicago, IL - Lithuanian Art Gallery

1989 Chicago IL - Lithuanian art Gallery

1988 Cleveland, OH Spaces Gallery

1987 Cleveland State University, People’s Art Show

1987 Sao Paolo, Brazil, International Centre

1987 Chicago, IL, Čiurlionis Gallery

1986 Cleveland State University, People’s Art Show

1985 Paris, France Centre International D’Art

1983 Chicago, IL School of Art and Architecture

1983 Chicago, IL Lithuanian Art Gallery

1982 Cleveland, OH Quick & Reilly

1981 Mentor, OH Lakeland Community College, Student Show