LIVING WITH ART BLOG

JRB Art at The Elms Presents

Two Solo Shows

Janice Mathews-Gordon: “Divided” & Carlos Tello

And a Group Show of doctors, lawyers and other professionals who create art “After Hours Part II”

OKLAHOMA CITY –  An opening reception will be held for two solo shows featuring Janice Mathews-Gordon and Carlos Tello in conjunction with a group show entitled “After Hours” part II from 6-10 pm, Apr 6^th during the Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Walk. The exhibitions will be on view through Sunday, Apr 29. The exhibit, opening reception and artist talks are free to the public, as a part of JRB Art at the Elms’ “Beyond Art Series”.

Oklahoma artist, Janice Mathews-Gordon brings a new series of abstract paintings reflecting on her concern about the deep divides in our country. Compelling and timely, these paintings are visual interpretations of our current fractured political climate. More broadly, these paintings serve as a mirror reflecting a society of deep ideological divides characterized by turmoil and incompetence. But they also remind us of our shared aspirations, emphasizing the once collaborative and productive capability of our democracy. Janice is an experimental mixed media painter. With each new piece, she starts with a carefully composed small ink sketch and builds a painting of scattered shapes and lines, creating a sense of conflict in some and harmony in others. Contemplative greens and blues suggest growth and coming together, while intense reds and oranges highlight conflict and unrest.

Janice’s paintings are represented in many private and corporate collections including: Oklahoma City University School of Law, GE Global Research Center, Crowe & Dunlevy Attorneys at Law, and Northcare Behavioral Health Center.

Mexico native, Carlos Tello is a dynamic and noted muralist, painter, and potter living in Oklahoma City since 1992. One of his profound loves is to use muralism to deliver intensity and profoundness in his work -- a suitable monumental medium to convey the size of his explosive artistical energy. Tello’s paintings have been used on album covers for recording artists, promotional posters for various productions and notably a permanent mural at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Carlos Tello received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Communication from the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) located in Mexico City in the 1980s. He continued his academic pursuits at UAM and obtained a Certificate in Airbrush Techniques and studied Special Effects in Photomechanics and Lithography.

“After Hours” part II, an exhibition of professionals in law, fashion, health care, investments, state government, architecture, construction, philanthropy and urban planning who create art after work hours will be featured in a two-part group show at The Elms during March and April. April’s participants include Alan Atkinson, Scott Cowan, Molly O’Conner all from the State Arts Council, Heather Lunsford, Ike Bennett, Louisa McCune, DeDe Minikes, John Seward and Pam Troup.

Next Exhibits

May 4^th opens with perennial favorite Beth Hammack with her expressive abstract paintings, Kathy Rodgers a mixed media artist, ceramicist Gayle Singer and NYC jeweler, Janet Talvacchia.

June is “Best of the West” month at the Elms, featuring abstract artist Gregory Gummersall, photographer Jenny Gummersall and fiber artist Pam Husky.

About JRB Art at the Elms

JRB Art at The Elms presents a diverse roster of emerging, established, and internationally exhibited artists who create in a wide range of media including: paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fine crafts, functional objects, fiber art and photographs. This 8,000-square foot award-winning gallery in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District changes its exhibits monthly in a gracious environment that fosters a dialogue between the arts and the larger community while providing quality art for first time buyers as well as individual, corporate and museum collections.

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