"ARTventure" for March at Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art’s March show, ‘ARTventure,’ features the work of two gallery artists, Sandi Anton and Anne McLaughlin. The artists chose the show’s name to describe their respective art adventures as they continue to learn and progress through the process of making art. The show runs March 1-31 during gallery hours, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. The gallery, located at 82 Patton Avenue in Asheville, across from Pritchard Park, will host a reception for the artists on Friday, March 3, from 5-8 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to stop by.

Sandi Anton first held a brush in her hand in May of 2009, and fell in love with a whole new world. “Suddenly, all objects and subjects became potential paintings,” she says. Having lived in the French Quarter in New Orleans for 12 years, much of what she paints and the subjects that intrigue her the most are architectural in nature, though she continues to challenge herself with other themes. “I strive to paint from a pure and creative mind, for the pleasure of those who love the movement and architecture of a vibrant city.” She claims that experimentation and practice are keys to her process. Most recently Anton says she is exploring a “less is more” concept in her paintings to leave more to the imagination of the viewer.

Anne McLaughlin, during her life-long career as a pediatric physical therapist, took on outside interests like photography and world travel. Those trips always included art museums and galleries, which led her to a study of art history. She and her husband moved to Madison County, NC, in 2002. “Being in this area rich with beauty spurred me to paint and has pushed me to continue my study of art.” Her work is both landscape and figurative. “I am happily painting and I am totally addicted to the dance of color, light, and texture, and the expression of my observations and my imagination,” says McLaughlin. “I hope my works provide the viewer with a range of feelings—mystery, peace, joy, or fun, and that the painting opens the imagination of the viewer to experience and appreciate the work.”

As well as the paintings of the two artists, those of the other 29 gallery members will be on display and for sale through the month of March. For further information about this show, you can contact Asheville Gallery of Art at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com, or go to the gallery Facebook page.