JuLY 2024 First Friday: The art of architecture
featuring
Jordan Flower, Trotter Hardy, Catherine Hillis, Michael S. Kravchak, Beth Marchant, Bo Prillaman, Robert Schuler, and Kay Van Dyke.
Opening Reception: Friday, July 5
5:30pm — 7:30pm
Join Arts on Main this July as we explore the art of architecture. This form of art can take many shapes, ranging from the buildings around us to the images of structures themselves to the blueprints and plans used in construction. Come see how architects and artists interpret the art of architecture and gain a new appreciation of the built landscape.
The opening of the exhibition will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, July 5th from 5:30—7:30pm. Light refreshments will be served and beer + wine will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by Jerry Sowers. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, July 27th.
Many Thanks to our Monthly Exhibit Sponsors, Theresa and Troy Stavens!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
JORDAN FLOWER
Raised in a military home that was constantly on the move, Jordan Flower weaves many distinct landscapes into his work; from the mountains, lakes, and autumn colors of upstate New York, to the large bustling cities of Seattle, San Diego, and Richmond, to the coastlines of Maine, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Jordan is especially intrigued by the interaction of man-made and nature, and the play of light, both natural and artificial.
Jordan is represented by Cabell Gallery in Lexington, VA as well as Spa Fine Art in Saratoga Springs, NY. His work is also exhibited throughout central Virginia and upstate New York.
Agraduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's art program, Jordan is not only a dedicated painter, but was also an art teacher for 15+ years.
Jordan lives in the Richmond area with his wife and three children.
Find his work at https://jordanflowerfineart.com/
TROTTER HARDY
Hardy has been involved in photography since about 2007, but more seriously in recent years.
Originally very much a hobby, unconnected with his former full-time job teaching law at the College of William & Mary, photography now occupies more of his time and attention in retirement.
He’s particularly drawn to patterns, whether in nature or in the human-build environment, especially architecture. Strong, nearly abstract images with high contrast and repeated motifs make up a recurring theme in his work.
CATHERINE HILLIS
“I paint. It's the thing I do best. I create light and movement with watercolors. When I see a scene with a story and the light is just right, I must paint. I find myself painting places that folkspass every day but fail to recognize the beauty. Many people say I see color and light that isn't there. I contend that I'm observing things as they really are, at least to me. Whenever possible, I try to make a statement through my work, employing a playful twist or edge that a viewer can appreciate.”
The artist has earned Signature Memberships with the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, the Laguna Plein Air Painters, the San Diego Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Virginia Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, the Baltimore WC Society, Missouri Watercolor Society and the Western Colorado Watercolor Society. She’ll serve as an Artist in Residence at Chateau d’Orquevaux, FR this November and her work will be featured in the 2024 issue of SPLASH.
Find her work at https://www.catherinehillis.com/
MICHAEL S. KRAVCHAK , SR.
“I majored in architecture in college, with a minor in art history. I studied under Professor Amy Fell, Professor John Gardner, and Sculpture Professor, J. Cherry. I have always enjoyed the Arts, and I have experimented in many mediums, i.e., pencil, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and clay sculpture.
For many years, I painted and sketched for relaxation; however, I always wanted to learn to work in watercolor. Upon my retirement as a District Manager from UGI, an energy company, I took my first course in watercolor with Robert Burnell at Portsmouth Fine Arts Institute. I have also taken a semester course with Betty Anglin at Christopher Newport University.
I have found my greatest challenge and satisfaction working in watercolor. I enjoy painting local and historical scenes from the Tidewater area and along the Chesapeake Bay. I also enjoy painting scenes from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and many other beautiful places I have been fortunate enough to visit.
I am a member of the Charles H. Taylor Art Center and Yorktown Arts Foundation.”
BETH MARCHANT
I am a representational painter. I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the way light can change color and define structure. I believe a successful painting must have both an accurate drawing and correct values. The pursuit to produce a successful painting is what motivates me. The completion of a work of art that I think is successful gives me a satisfaction and desire to go back to my studio and do it all over again. My paintings usually have an architectural component.
Find her work at https://www.bethmarchant.com/
BO PRILLAMAN
Bo started drawing and painting at age 4, and from the age of 8 he knew he wanted to be an architect. During his highschool years, he spent afternoons working for architects in his hometown of Martinsville, VA. He began his college career at VCU, received his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and his Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia. After working for a firm in Charlottesville, mainly designing larger-scaled projects, he longed for the intimacy of designing private homes as an expression of the “life” they represented.” For this reason (and sailing) he was drawn to the Northern Neck where he designed numerous waterfront homes on the Chesapeake Bay & its tributaries and as far away as the Bahamas, Cape Cod, and England. Throughout his career, he also honed his art. Bo has experimented with many mediums and styles, creating large format abstract pieces as well as detailed architectural renderings. A nationally ranked croquet player and avid golfer, Bo lives with his wife Catherine in Richmond and spends winters in Florida, where he paints many local scenes of the town. His work, “A month of Lunches” was featured in Vero Beach Magazine.
Find his work at https://www.boprillaman.com/
ROBERT SCHULER
Bob is inspired by rural old things, buildings that are crooked, Victorian homes, and old work boats with rust...they all capture his attention. He also enjoys capturing portraits of cherished homes, beloved pets and other animals.
When showing his artwork, he likes to feel the viewer’s connection to the art. He finds himself talking to people who recognize one of his pieces and he gets the opportunity to ask them about it or about the area. Their memories of the subject or area, he has painted, fill in the details and make the piece even more interesting. Bob finds great pleasure in establishing an interaction with the viewers of his work.
Find his work at https://www.robertjschulerartist.com/
KAY VAN DYKE
Kay Van Dyke is an exceptional artist and the visionary owner of the Village Art Colony. An architect with over 30 years of experience and the founder of Arts on Main, Kay has created an art space that not only showcases her own impressive portfolio but also serves as a nurturing environment for fellow artists. As the driving force behind the Village Art Colony, Kay has not only cultivated a community of talented individuals but has also empowered emerging artists by providing them with a platform to exhibit their work and share their creative voices with the world. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive artistic community makes her a true inspiration.
Live music will be provided by Jerry Sowers.
Many Thanks to our Monthly Music Sponsor, Shari Jourdan (in honor of our founder, Kay Van Dyke)!