Byrne, Calivas to open exhibition
at Gingerbread Square tonight
Artists Michele Byrne and Christos Calivas will open an exhibition tonight, at Gingerbread Square Gallery, 1207 Duval St.
The exhibition will feature a rich assortment of new work by both artists. It begins with an opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday, and continues through March10.
Calivas’ paintings are an exploration of the spectrum between realism and abstraction inspired by his surroundings in Maine, Greece and Key West. Byrne’s work is centered on her theme, “The Art of Conversation,” depicting people gathering together in fun and lively social situations, such as the beaches, streets and popular café’s of Key West.
Calivas, a self taught painter, works in Maine and spends part of his time in Greece and Key West. This is his third show at Gingerbread Square. He has studied painting with many notable artists at the Massachusetts College of Art. In addition to being a full time artist, he is also an avid sailor, a licensed Merchant Marine captain, holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and is a musician with an interest in Middle Eastern, Armenian and Greek Music.
Calivas’ paintings are an exploration of the spectrum between realism and abstraction. Speaking about this element of his work he has said: “In my painting, I always consider the creative tension between the abstract elements the canvas and my immediate, intense response to the landscapes before me. Over the years I have become increasingly aware of the danger of creating pleasing but emptied-out shapes that may have decorative strength but can become too far removed from my original source and inspiration.”
Plein air artist Byrne has received numerous awards for her work. She was a previous Artist-in-Residence at The Studios of Key West. For this upcoming exhibition at Gingerbread Square, she will be exhibiting the work she produces in Key West and paintings inspired from her most recent trip to Paris. Even though she lives in the Northeast, Michele frequently travels to paint in plein air competitions throughout the U.S. and most recently to Telluride, Aspen and Laguna Beach. “Plein Air Magazine” recently featured her and she will be participating in the national Plein Air Convention in Monterey this year.
The Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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