PRESS RELEASE (Martha's Vineyard) The Louisa Gould Gallery opens a new art exhibit for the upcoming extended Memorial Day weekend. Entitled “Memorial Day Group Show,” the exhibit runs from Thursday, May 19, to Wednesday, June 13. The opening reception is on Saturday, May 26, from 6 to 8PM. Please join us to look at beautiful new work, meet the artists, and to enjoy refreshments. Featured artists are Chris Pendergast, Janet Woodcock, Donna Blackburn, Tim Coy, Louisa Gould, John Holladay, Leslie S. Self, Warren Gaines, Thanasi, Debra Gaines, Paul Beebe, and Deborah Colligan Hope. On Sunday, May 27, at 5PM artist Donna Blackburn will give a talk on her oil paintings.

This show has over ninety pieces of new works of art ranging in size from 4 x 4 inches to 60 x 40 inches. Chris Pendergast's large scale, bright, realistic oil paintings of Vineyard rowboats and dinghies are striking and simultaneously reflective. While Leslie S. Self's oils of Vineyardscapes capture the beautiful light of early morning and the golden hour. Contrasting in tone and texture are John Holladay's monochromatic, realistic watercolors of Menemsha environs. Continuing with a nautical theme are Paul Beebe's oil paintings, which capture boats both under full sail and quiet at the mooring, and photographs by Louisa Gould in black & white, sepia, and color. The show also includes detailed, vibrant pastels of the Vineyard by Warren Gaines and oil paintings of seashore still lifes and landscape paintings of France by Donna Blackburn.

The Gallery welcomes several new artists for the “Memorial Day Group Show.” The show includes a grouping of toned gelatin silver photographs ranging in subject matter from landscapes and seascapes to relics and narratives, all by Janet Woodcock, and a series of lighthouse photographs by Tim Coy. In addition, there are new encaustic paintings using colored beeswax by Debra Gaines and petite oils by Deborah Colligan Hope. To round out the show are a series of contemplative paintings by Thanasi that are soothing to the soul.

We hope to see you at the Reception on Saturday, May 26, from 6 to 8PM, and we invite you to re-visit the show through June 13. Please join us for an intimate artist talk with artist Donna Blackburn on Sunday May, 27 at 5PM. The Gallery has an exciting lineup for the 2012 Summer Season including an artist talk series, book signings for artists, openings for non-profit events, and painting and photography workshops series. Louisa Gould Gallery is located at 54 Main Street, Vineyard Haven. Please call for directions at 508 693-7373 or obtain directions at www.louisagould.com