The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery Hosts The Ohio Watercolor Society: 31st Annual Juried Exhibition 2008
by Jaclyn Reynolds

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery will present The Ohio Watercolor Society: 31st Annual Exhibition 2008 from November 6, 2008 – January 11, 2009.

Juried by Alvaro Castagnet, an artist and teacher, this exhibition features approximately 65 original paintings. A Uruguay native, Castagnet has earned an international reputation painting, teaching and judging watercolor exhibitions. He has traveled extensively throughout the USA, Mexico, South America, Europe and Australia which he finds has broadened his vision, depth and subjects of his work.

When choosing work for this exhibition, Castagnet looked for paintings that developed an instant reaction in him. He believes a painting should always stand out for a reason beyond its image.

“True artists paint from their heart and they display the ability to capture the intrinsic side of life,” said Castagnet. “True painters have the ability to transmit the magic of life on the everyday world around us.”

Castagnet also says the show was challenging to jury because of the number of high quality paintings submitted. He called the exhibition a lovely blend of work, from traditional, figurative art, modern, to total abstract style.

The Ohio Watercolor Society: 31st Annual Exhibition 2008 opens November 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Music will be provided by Fort Hayes Metro Jazz Ensemble. Alvaro Castagnet will lead a tour of the exhibition on November 7 from noon – 1 p.m. Additionally, free demonstrations will be held:

• November 16, 2-4 p.m. Triple Play Leonard Williams, Carolyn Ross Hibbard and Karen LaValley share the spotlight as they paint from a live model.

• November 23, 2-4 p.m. Getting the Dogs Out of the Kennel with Judy Anderson will demonstrate how to take an unsuccessful painting from bland to grand.

• December 7, 2-4 p.m. Working Through Creative Blocks with Sharon Stolzenberger who will show how to create a mixed-media piece using techniques such as stamping, image transfer, collage, acrylic and drawing to complete a painting.

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery will also hold a Family Workshop with artist Marilyn Stocker, Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Capitol Theatre lobby, Riffe Center, third floor. Riffe Gallery staff will help students age 6 – 17 explore water media through flowers, fantasy and family favorites. Registration is required as space is limited and all children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration begins October 16 and ends October 28. Register online here.

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery is located in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH. Admission is free. Gallery fall and winter hours are Tue., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Wed. through Fri., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sat. noon - 8 p.m. and Sun. noon-4 p.m. Closed Monday and state holidays. Visit www.riffegallery.org or phone 614/644-9624 for more information.

Free group tours are available Wednesday through Friday throughout the run of each exhibition. To schedule a group tour contact Riffe Gallery Director Mary Gray at mary.gray@oac.state.oh.us or 614/728-2239.

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio’s artists and curators, exhibitions produced by the Ohio Arts Council’s International Program and the collections of the region’s museums and galleries. The Riffe Gallery’s Education Program seeks to increase public appreciation and understanding of those exhibitions. Admission is free. For information, call the Riffe Gallery at 614/644-9624.

This exhibit was organized in partnership with The Ohio Watercolor Society. Additional support from the Ohio Building Authority and media sponsors Alive, CD101, City Scene, Ohio Magazine and Time Warner Cable.

Images are available upon request.

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