One of the privileges artists who have studios at theArtWorks receive is the opportunity to show their work in the newly air-conditioned Gallery Verrazzano.  Although it is still a work in progress, Jim and Betsy Knowles have created this space to promote the arts and as a venue for private gatherings.    The gallery has about 7200 square feet of space to highlight paintings as well as sculpture and glass objects.  At this time, the gallery is open on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm or by appointment.

    Gallery Verrazzano is part of the fresh start I mentioned in my last post to my blog.  Venture out, bring your mask and enjoy the open space which will allow you to view the art comfortably.  The present show will hang through the month of June.

     Friday of this week is when theArtWorks, Gallery Verrazzano, and my studio will be open to the public from 11 am to 5 pm on each Friday and Saturday.  Of course private appointments are encouraged at other times.  There is plenty of space in the gallery to physical distance and masks are required.  Most of the resident artists are displaying their work with a few additional artists from Wilmington such as Sandy Nelson.

     Now that I am not up and down a ladder painting or hanging art, I can appreciate all of the effort it took to improve my studio space.  There is better light and more wall space to view paintings.  Although I will miss the fabulous north light at home, I'm looking forward to having more room to create.  Being able to back up from my easel and view a work is progress from a distance is important as the paint goes on the canvas.  Comradery with other artist is another advantage as well as not being able to see what tasks need to be done at home.

     This new start is a small step towards a normal situation that all of us can appreciate.  I look forward to seeing people who I've missed for several weeks.  I'm hopeful that new work will start flying off the easel!  You can view it at Janetbsessoms.com and please share with others!

     I'm not having that face lift, but my studio is!  Raise your hand if you've visited my studio at theArtWorks?  Many have been by and purchased work to take home and enjoy or to gift someone special.  Those of you who have not visited  are invited to come by for the first time when this pandemic starts behaving itself.                                                                                                                                                                                            The studio is part of a wonderful "art village" and the studios share commons walls.  My neighbor wanted to take her wall up higher, so I guess I will too!  This time out is perfect for increasing my wall space, adding some new lighting, and freshening up the paint after 7 years of moving nails to hang art work.  The floor might get mopped too, but fear not, my signature orange wall will not disappear!  Everyday that I open my space and see that wall, I smile and delight in the joy it brings me!  My dear friend, Karen suggested my use of orange in my first studio, and when I moved to theArtWorks™, I upped the impact and used orange to paintJan an entire wall plus my door.  Love the way my paintings with blue contrast with it.  I'm going to share the "work in progress" photo and watch for the completed photo when Jim gets the work done.

     Please take a few minutes and look at my website at janetbsessoms.com.  I posted a new painting today named Oak Grove.  Think about sharing with me your favorite work of mine or give me an idea of something you would like to see me paint.  Always thinking about new work!

     Until the next post, stay well and take care!