Walnut Gallery presents its latest exhibition entitled “Family Patterns” by artist Lisa Michitti. The exhibition opens Friday, February 3 at 7 PM as part of Gadsden’s “First Friday Art Night”. An opening reception and gallery talk will be held at the gallery from 7 to 9 pm. Admission is free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged. The show is made possible by support from Holiday Inn Express and Suites, The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, and the Etowah County Tourism Board.
“Family Patterns” is the latest art installation at Walnut Gallery to feature an unusual material: printed, adhesive vinyl commonly referred to by its brand name, “Fat Head”. For artist Lisa Michitti, mixed media and vinyl installations are a specialty. Having a wealth of life-experience from studying painting abroad in Cortona, Italy to serving as exhibit Designer for the Cincinnati Public Library, Michitti finally obtained her MFA in studio art from the University of Alabama. “My work reflects my life: pursuit of knowledge, alternate perspectives, complex relationships, deceptive simplicity and layered content”, Michitti explains. “Family Patterns” is the artist’s meditation on comfort through repetition, “even when that repetition is detrimental”. The work in the exhibit is created by scanning abstract mixed-media drawings, duplicating them into traditional patterns, and then printing them onto the various materials that are used in the installation. As Michitti describes it, “the patterns subvert the need to be explained because, as a culture, we visually dismiss pattern as being purely decorative.”
The show will also be a part of a “First Friday Art Night” as part of Gadsden’s “First Friday” celebration. In addition to “Family Patterns” at Walnut Gallery, the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts will unveil its latest exhibit, sculpture by Tuscaloosa-based artist Craig Wedderspoon. The Gadsden Museum of Art will also be welcoming visitors to view its impressive permanent collection of historical objects and fine art. “Our First Friday Art Walks have been very popular,” said Mario Gallardo, executive director of Walnut Gallery, “in February, we’re doing it a little differently.” Visitors are invited to visit each of the three galleries throughout the evening at their leisure. “There will be refreshments, all of the shows are free, everyone is welcome – It’s a great opportunity to really immerse yourself in the art and culture of our state,” Gallardo added. For more information, visit culturalarts.org, gadsdenmusem.com, and walnutgallery.org.