Gallery on Gazebo, a nonprofit art gallery in downtown Johnstown, will host “Echoes of Color,” an exhibit showcasing the work of Saint Francis Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Jess Campbell and SFU student Karin Johnson.
The exhibit will open with a public reception this Sunday, Oct. 5, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. During the reception, guests can meet the artists and get a first glimpse of their work.
SFU Music Instructor Bo Moore will be performing some of his music during Sunday’s opening reception.
The exhibit will run from Oct. 5-31. The Gallery on Gazebo is free and open to the public and is located at 140 Gazebo Park in Johnstown. Its hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Campbell, who serves as director of the Connors Family Fine Arts Center, was initially invited to present a solo exhibition at the gallery. Rather than show her work alone, she extended an invitation to Johnson, one of her students.
“As an educator, I think it’s important to share these kinds of experiences with students so they can showcase their talents to a broader audience,” Campbell said.
Johnson, a Cambria Heights High School graduate, is pursuing majors in Psychology and Social Work with a minor in Visual Arts. She said the chance to show her work alongside her professor is exciting and encouraging.
“In the art world, it can be difficult to find your footing, so opportunities like this are invaluable,” Johnson said.
“I’m grateful not only to share my work but also begin establishing my name within this space.”
The exhibition title, “Echoes of Color,” emerged from conversations between the two artists as they considered how to unify their different approaches.
“Our styles are very different, but ultimately, we both make color the main focus in our work,” Campbell said.
Campbell creates abstract paintings guided by spontaneity, movement and texture. She said she hopes visitors will find their own stories within her work.
Johnson’s art, by contrast, reflects her connection to the natural beauty of rural Pennsylvania and her interest in the psychology of human experience. She often paints women and children, drawing inspiration from both her studies and personal life.
“When guests come to the exhibition, I hope they feel a connection and appreciation for life’s small details,” Johnson said. “Maybe afterward, they notice a cloud in the sky or the way sunlight shines through the leaves.”
In addition to sharing some of her work at the exhibition, Campbell will lead an Oil and Cold Wax Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1- 4 p.m. at the gallery.
The $30 workshop will introduce participants to the versatile medium, with all materials provided.
“I love the textures and depth you can create,” Campbell said. “I want participants to explore the materials, experiment with color, and make marks and see the possibilities.”
The staff at the Gallery on Gazebo is excited to partner with Campbell and Johnson on this exhibit.
“Gallery on Gazebo is proud to shine a light on Jess Campbell,” said Rosemary Pawlowski, Development Director at the gallery, in a press release announcing the exhibit.
“Her work with arts organizations across many counties is highly regarded. We welcome the collaboration.”
