Hollingsworth Art Gallery
Each month the Hollingsworth Art Gallery exhibits wildlife-themed art by local and by nationally-known artists.
September 2023 - Artist of the Month
Ron Orlando
In September, the paintings of prize[1]winning, internationally known wildlife artist, Ron Orlando, will grace Patuxent’s Hollingsworth Gallery. His numerous honors come from juried shows all over the country. Like (prior month’s artist) Annie Strack he’s been directed since childhood toward nature and art. His childhood fascination with any living thing in his New Jersey backyard translated early into a love of representing them. While still in high school, Orlando studied oil painting with a local artist, and eventually taught art for 35 years. He “retired” into the world of wildlife painting he describes as a “natural fit.” He writes that the wildlife artists he admired all worked in acrylic paint. He describes “mastering the medium” as a “steep learning curve.”
Orlando’s scenes range from the everyday of backyards to intimate views of predators in the wilds. He works to present a “moment in time” - to establish a connection that respects the uniqueness, dignity and beauty of wild creatures. Looking at his paintings, the viewer feels drawn into their lives. He’s found his subjects on hikes in the hills and swamps of his native New Jersey to travels the length and breadth of North America and to the Galapagos Islands.
This signature member of the Society of Animal Artists and The World Wide Nature Artists Group hopes that someone who views his work will value what he sees and lead to a greater appreciation for “our natural world and a greater responsibility for it.”
See Ron Orlando’s web site at http://www.ronorlandowildlifeart.com/
October 2023 - Artists of the Month
Southern Comforters
Quilts and quilting techniques date back at least 5000 years. The layering of cloth and other materials served both as protection and insulation. Nearly every culture in the world has produced some form of quilt whether to use under your armor or over your bed. This two- or three-layered textile has used every material from animal skins to feed bags. Today, we picture beautiful designs on a decorative outer layer, batting – a middle layer, backing – the bottom layer, and binding – the outer edge holding the assembled layers together. In this country quilting “bees” have been popular when neighbors were far, and served as a social gathering that produced needed blankets.
Today, groups like the Southern Comforters (formed locally in 1982) promote appreciation of quilting’s “rich heritage” and to “present educational and social activities” for quilters. Guild meetings are twice a month on second and fourth Wednesdays, the first meeting is “in person” at Christian Community Presbyterian Church, and the second, via Zoom. In October, their exhibit will feature traditional and art quilts whose themes are wildlife and nature.
The “Comforters” will hold a reception on Saturday, October 21 from 2-4 pm. Members will be on hand to talk about their art and craft and share stories about the quilts they’re exhibiting. Refreshments will be served.
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