BATAVIA — The Batavia Society of Artists opens its “Winter Art Exhibit” tonight at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St.
The show, on view in the Gallery Room throughout the month of December, features 44 paintings from 15 artists and will highlight the work of artist David Burke.
An opening reception is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. There will be voting for a “People’s Choice Award” on Thursday, and the winner will receive a monetary prize.
Each winter show includes a special display of a featured artist. This year, the artist is David Burke.
Burke, in his artist statement, said his artwork is primarily inspired by nature “and by personal associations and ideas stimulated by my perceptions of the world around me.”
“I also love to paint portraits of humans and animals,” he said. “I’m drawn to forms that illustrate the connection between human consciousness and Nature, and that point to that greater Mystery beneath the manifest world; to explore how visual stimuli can take the mind beyond our everyday state of consciousness. My goal is to share that sense of wonder and connection to a greater wholeness through visual media.”
Burke was born in 1956 and lived in Western New York, not far from Rochester. His website said he’s loved making art for as long as he can remember, but for much of his adult life he would draw or paint or take photographs sporadically every few years while engaging in other life activities.
In 1999, Burke received a bachelor of fine arts degree from the SUNY Brockport where he studied painting and ceramic sculpture.
In 2016, Burke realized art is what he wants to do for the rest of his life — especially acrylic painting.
The Batavia Society of Artists exhibit is one of the organization’s three annual art shows.
Art is available for purchase. Any art sold during the show includes a 10% commission for the Batavia Society of Artists.
The Batavia Society of Artists started in 1950. Teresa Tamfer, the organization’s treasurer, said the Batavia Society of Artists has been trying to promote artistic endeavors through demonstrations and art shows. The Society hosts demonstrations once a month in different mediums.
“Anyone is welcome to join. We take all level of skill and mediums,” Tamfer said.
Dues are $30 for a single person, $50 for a couple and $10 for a student or veteran. In order to be part of a show, artists need to be a member in addition to paying the entry fee.
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