VIRGINIA EVANS SMIT
"BOTANICALS"
November 8- November 26th, 2016
Reception Thursday, November 10, 6-8PM
Coffee & Conversation with the artist Saturday, November 19, 3-5PM
Chelsea NY: Viridian Artists is pleased to present a solo exhibition of monoprints, collagraphs, solar prints and dry point etchings by the artist VIRGINIA EVANS SMIT. The exhibit will continue from November 8 - November 26th, 2016 with a Reception on Thursday, November 10, 6-8PM. There will be a Coffee & Conversation with the artist Saturday, November 19, 4-6PM.
Looking at Smit's monoprints using a variety of techniques, is akin to looking at a history of memories for her images have a suggestion of realism with, as writer Ed McCormack stated, “the occasional note of lyrical melancholy that lends particular poignancy”. These are not bouquets you would find at the market, but instead are plants gathered from a solitary walk through a garden, filled with the feelings and emotions of important moments.
Much of the inspiration for these new unique prints comes from her winter travels to Barbados a Caribbean island filled with fascinating trees, flora and an abundance of nature that edges its shorelines and towns. Smit confesses she doesn't create the work there however, but instead photographs, makes sketches and keeps notes to refer to when she returns to her studio in Manhattan where she has her own press. In addition, she also works much of the time at Manhattan Graphics, a printmaking studio near the Elizabeth Foundation in mid- Manhattan.
The artist has the distinction of being the first African American female to receive a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania where she received The Thornton Oakley Creative Achievement Award. She has been associated with Viridian Artists since 1978. Over that time period she has had more than fifteen solo exhibitions not only at Viridian, but also at Farleigh Dickenson University, Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, Mehu Gallery in Manhattan, the James E Lewis Museum at Morgan State University, the Barbados Museum and Historical Society and many others. Her work is in many collections including The Wadsworth Atheneum, General Foods, the Hewitt Collection of African American Art, the Library of Congress, The Fuba Collection in Johannesburg South Africa, Colgate Palmolive and many other private and public collections in the U.S. and abroad.
We look forward to sharing Smit’s lush images and invite you to meet the artist and perhaps take a mental walk with her through her garden of “Botanicals”.
Gallery hours: Tuesday throughSaturday 12- 6 PM
For further information please contact Vernita Nemec, Gallery Director at 212 414 4040 or viridianartistsinc@gmail.com or view the gallery website: www.viridianartists.com
Gallery hours: Tuesday throughSaturday 12- 6 PM
For further information please contact Vernita Nemec, Gallery Director at 212 414 4040 or viridianartistsinc@gmail.com or view the gallery website: www.viridianartists.com