Martin-Ridderhof gallery displays new student works

By NIKKI CONTRINO

UMW Galleries is currently hosting the 10th Mid-Atlantic New Painting biennial exhibition at the University of Mary Washington’s Ridderhof Martin Gallery. Walking into the exhibit, a bowl lies in the middle of the floor and a woman lies staring from inside her framed home. Colors explode off canvases and textures overwhelm the walls of the small gallery.

A competition was held allowing artists ages 18 years or older to participate for the 30 spots in the gallery. Artists from Delaware, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia submitted their pieces to be evaluated. More than 120 applications were received, but only 30 works were chosen.  The exhibition will be on display at the gallery until Feb. 26.

Awards were given to six pieces of artwork. Five of those awards were the participation award given to Jillian Schley, Gwyneth Scally, Bobby Coleman, Troy Richard and Sarah West. A purchase award was given to Trevor Manders for his acrylic on canvas over wood piece titled, “Trevor’s Gorges.”

“It is a very interesting exhibit,” said senior art history major Eynav Ovadia. “What is really interesting is that we have a piece by one of Mary Washington’s own in the exhibit.”

Ovadia works at the front desk of the gallery and provides the ability to answer any questions that visitors may have regarding the details of this exhibit. “Not many people know the gallery is here, so we do not usually get as many people as we would like,” Ovadia said.

However, the gallery did see a fair amount of people during their opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 14.

One of UMW’s own students was selected to have his artwork displayed in the exhibitions. Taylor White, a senior, contributed his art piece titled, “Lambs.” His canvas was created with layered with acrylic paints and paper.

The pieces of art displayed in the gallery appeared to have a very modern take and displayed many artists who worked primarily with oil paintings. Most of the art displayed contained many colors that made the work really pop in the low-lite room.

“While this is not my favorite type of art, I think the paintings are beautiful and really appreciate what the artists have created,” said junior art history major Dery Martinéz.

A wide range of art is displayed on the walls of the gallery, featuring paintings of a single chair to a piece made entirely out of acrylic, latex and steel supports.

“Some of the pieces have a somewhat creepy feel to them, but I loved the one titled ‘Park Structure,’ by artist Gwenyth Scally,” said senior theater major Amanda Callender. “The strong colors and use of lines really make the painting powerful.”

If you are interested in visiting the exhibit, the Ridderhof Martin gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.