Douglas Lail's "Counterpoint" art opening at Asheville School - Jan. 12th

Asheville School will host an art opening featuring Asheville artist Douglas Lail on Thursday, January 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Walker Art Center’s John M. Crawford Gallery.

Lail’s exhibition, “Counterpoint,” juxtaposes abstract oil and cold wax paintings with realistic portraits made with white charcoal on black paper.

He describes his abstract paintings as “gritty, less refined reminders of the ever-present tension between man and nature.” These paintings contrast with portraits from his “Hello My Name Is…” project, which explores “personal recovery stories which look at the positive impact recovery is making in the lives of individuals, families, and the community,” according to Lail.

John M. Crawford Gallery Curator Casey Arbor follows Lail’s work and is pleased to share this exhibit with the community.

“I was first drawn to his abstract paintings, which have layers upon layers of history,” Arbor said. “These paintings are akin to the buildings in an old city rich with antiquity. After meeting Lail, I soon discovered there is an entirely different artistic style he also pursues. He breathes life into portraits of people who have struggled with—and in many cases continue to struggle with—addiction.”

Lail’s style seeks to explore deeper meanings within his work. Per his artist statement, “he is less concerned with preserving the surface, but rather discovering what lies beneath.”

“By using white charcoal on black paper he literally pulls the figure out of darkness,” Arbor said. “Lail's artwork and stories serve as inspiration to anyone who dares to look.”

Lail will attend the opening, which will be in Asheville School’s John M. Crawford Gallery. The opening is free and open to the public, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Counterpoint” will be on display from Jan. 12 through March 3.

Directions to Asheville School are here.<http://www.ashevilleschool.org/about/campus-map> For questions, contact John M. Crawford Gallery Curator Casey Arbor at (828) 254-6345 ext. 4037.