SMAC Art Center hosts ‘In Flux’

The Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC) will host a solo exhibit featuring the work of artist Gavin Gilmore, entitled “In Flux.” The show will run June 5-27 at the SMAC Art Center, 7 Downing Street, in historic Hollister, MO.

Gavin Gilmore is a painter and public school art teacher from Longview, TX. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. His exhibit, “In Flux,” features ten large-scale mixed-media, nonobjective paintings.

With muted color palettes and atmospheric aesthetics, Gilmore’s work invites the viewer to investigate the multiple layers and unusual materials used in creating these fascinating non-objective works. “The paintings are tied to memory, conveying a history that has been scraped away and added back in,” explains Gilmore. “Each work is created layer upon layer, exploring the push and pull illusion through weathered textures and intuitive mark making.”

Mark making, the art of creating lines, textures and patterns by drawing and scraping on the surface of a work, creates a visual record of Gilmore’s movements and expression of emotion. Each work reveals his creative fire within, ignited by experimental exploration and curiosity about materials, textures and process. Figments and fragments of recognizable shapes are hinted at in the artworks, while ordinary, repurposed building materials and everyday objects are meant to be discovered during quiet contemplation.

The opening reception will be on Friday evening, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. During the reception, Gilmore will speak about his art and answer questions. Attendees may view the exhibit, tour the private studios, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Vintage Paris Coffee kiosk will also be on site.

Each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local nonprofit organizations that serve the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to Hope Counseling Center which provides compassionate counseling services for individuals, couples and families in Branson and nearby communities. With both in-person and telehealth options, Hope Counseling Center helps clients gain insight, develop coping strategies and create meaningful change. For information, www.hopecounselingmo.org .

Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit local center of creativity, art education, innovation and community partnership, strives to improve the quality of life in southern Missouri by connecting individuals with the arts, for the benefit of all.