LOUISA GOULD GALLERY

54 Main Street

Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

(508) 693.7373

www.louisagould.com

PRESS RELEASE (Martha's Vineyard) Louisa Gould Gallery is proud to announce a Day of Art  on Sunday July 5, 2009.
The day will start with a trunk show for a new jewelry line by Francesca Lewis Kennedy from 1-5 pm. Then from 5-7 the Gallery will host an Artist Reception for four talented Gallery artists, Christopher Pendergast, Stephan Hart, Caryn King and Leslie Smith.

This show provides a visual treat for the viewer. The three dimensional range of Francesca Lewis Kennedy's jewelry and Stephan Hart's Island made wood furniture is nicely juxtaposed by Christopher Pendergast's large scale oil paintings, a striking visual impact for any wall or great room, and the soft pastels of Vineyardscapes by Leslie Smith. Caryn King's animal portraits with barnboard frames add a whimsical point of contrast with her endearing rendering of the animal kingdom native to New England.

Christopher Pendergast is an Art Institute of Chicago graduate and has shown at the Gallery for three years. Born in 1976, he grew up traveling with his family. Having the opportunity to live in numerous locations within America and abroad led to a lifelong fascination with the differences between the various cultures he experienced. Specifically as they related to people's perceptions. Currently Christopher divides his time between his studio, teaching, and traveling. Although he currently resides in Lowell, Massachusetts, much of Christopher's work derives from his time spent on Martha's Vineyard. Christopher says of his new oil on linen paintings, "My new work is a further exploration of the ways in which we can make sense of the world around us, and our experiences within it." "Reflection" a painting of a single row boat is powerful as the boat occupies the center of the painting.

Leslie Smith is a local Islander who has lived in Edgartown for more than thirty five years. A mostly self taught artist, she has returned to painting images of the Island after having worn many other hats. A mother of two, president of the Martha's Vineyard Derby, contributing writer to On the Water Magazine, and charter fishing captain. She works mainly with pastels, as she loves the immediacy of working with the softness of pure pigment. "The Vineyard is a special place, as anyone who lives here or has visited quickly comes to realize." "My photos serve as inspiration for my paintings. The challenge has been to translate the images to paper through pastel, maintaining the excitement of the moment." Leslie's new pastel, "Chappaquiddick Spring" is my best pastel yet" according to Leslie. The composition and depth of field combined with the warm and bright palette evoke the wind and light of summertime on Martha's Vineyard.

Caryn King raised her children in the Boston area, moved to the Vineyard, and now lives in Vermont. Having lived in Vineyard Haven year 'round for eight years she was sorry to leave. Although Caryn has now traded the ocean for the mountains, she maintains a strong connection to the Island. Caryn is a narrative painter who began her artistic career with clay. After 14 years of making her living as a sculptor, intermingled with a few years earning her BFA in illustration and stints as a toy designer and an art teacher, she came home to painting. As you would expect from a former clay artist, texture is very important to King's paintings.  This is one of the things that that allows her animal paintings to become intensely expressive without becoming sentimental. The paintings emphasize a tactile appreciation for the animals themselves. She believes the animals she paints reflect a peace that sometimes seems so elusive to humans.

Stephan Hart offers a stylistic approach to fine furniture and cabinet building. He has been transforming wood into art for over 25 years. He was born in San Francisco in 1963, moved to North western Connecticut where he spent the next 18 years growing up in the foothills of the Berkshires. He now resides on Martha's Vineyard in his custom hand built post and beam home. His woodshop and furniture showroom are located on the same property in West Tisbury. He did a two year apprenticeship with Gannon and Benjamin boat builders constructing the 40 foot gaff rigged ship "Liberty". He then continued to work under the direction of John Thayer. Stephan also worked under the direction of Edward Galla, learning architectural millwork where they did restorations on many of the historical buildings owned by the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust.  Following his real passion, Stephan decided to return to furniture making with Larry Hepler, where he learned to design and build heirloom furniture.
Stephan's latest pieces show his attention to detail and masterful skill.

Francesca Lewis Kennedy is a new addition to the Gallery creating custom jewelry in silver and gold vermeil. Striking strands of these precious metals, interspersed with pearls of varying kinds, semi-prescious gemstones,filigreed charms and delicate chains tempt and dazzle.  Louisa Gould says of the new line, Francesca's jewelry is perfect for the Vineyard, New York and beyond, with a black cocktail dress or a t-shirt and jeans. It's truly wearable Art for today."

Please join us for a Day of Art this Sunday July 5 from 1-7pm and visit the show from July 1 until July 21. Louisa Gould is located at 54 Main Street, Vineyard Haven. Please call for directions at (508) 693 7373 or obtain directions at www.louisagould.com.