Original abstract paintings and giclees by Emalee Andre
Preview the artshow.
Meet the Artists Reception
at Bella Blu Restaurant in Frenchtown, St. Thomas, USVI
Friday, January 11, 2008 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZERS AND WENTE WINE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
"The Art Show" at Bella Blu presents:
Emalee Andre: Contemporary Works 2008
St. Thomas, USVI, January 3, 2008 — "The Art Show"® at Bella Blu in Frenchtown launches its first exhibit of 2008 with the mixed-media collages of award-winning artist Emalee Andre. A reception will take place Friday, January 11 from 5 until 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and meet Andre in person.
Show Coordinator Claire Ochoa of Gallery St. Thomas is pleased to offer the second on-island showing of Andre’s collages, prompted by the success of Andre’s 2006 show. Ochoa adds, "Both local and off-island collectors in 2006 recognized the high quality of her work. This show features large canvases that make a bold statement. Her collage work is intriguing and dynamic. The recognition she has received thus far in her career includes numerous awards in juried shows in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth and Coral Springs. The tropical feel that Andre’s use of color exudes is another reason why her work is a perfect fit for St. Thomas."
Nature has exerted a profound influence on Andre's work. She grew up on a farm, and embedded in her memory are the soft texture of fur, the fragrance of flowers, the glossy colors of pheasant feathers. Rather than try to reproduce a photo-like image, Andre prefers the challenge of shaping an idea, figure or aspect of nature in a way that allows multiple interpretations by the viewer.
In her mixed media collages, Andre uses paint, hand-colored papers, found objects and recycled materials in unique ways. "Combining those elements allows me to infuse the work with my imagination rather than trying to paint the perfect rose," explains the artist. Her expert use of color pulls the viewer into the world Andre creates on canvas and paper.
Though she has been drawing since childhood, Emalee Andre began her serious art studies in the 1980's in Chicago with Sandford Roth, a noted abstract artist. She continued to study with top artists and instructors after moving to Florida, and has won many awards there. The lush hues in her Florida surroundings had a major influence on her color work. As a result, her mixed-media canvases are as at home in the sun-drenched Caribbean as they are anywhere in the world.
The "Emalee Andre: Contemporary Work 2008" exhibit continues "The Art Show"® series at Bella Blu in Frenchtown. It opens January 11, 2008 with a meet-the-artist reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. sponsored by Wente Wines. A slide show of the exhibit is featured online at www.GalleryStThomas.com
The exhibit of Andre's work will hang through March 7, 2008 and all images are for sale. The opening event is free and open to the public. For more information, or to receive an email slide show, contact "The Art Show"® coordinator Claire Ochoa at Gallery St. Thomas, 340-777-6363 or toll free, 877-797-6363.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Claire Ochoa, Gallery St. Thomas
P. O. Box 6467, St. Thomas, VI 00804
Phone: (340) 777-6363 Cell: (340) 643-6363 Fax: (340) 774-9440
Email: Art@GalleryStThomas.com