THREE PERSPECTIVES

Kim Barrick – Paintings
Carolyn Riess-Dodson – Paintings
Brenda Stein – Woodturnings

February 3 through March 28  Opening Reception – Friday, February 3, 5
pm – 7 pm

Nashville Tennessee–– Paintings by Kim Barrick and Carolyn Riess-
Dodson will be exhibited with woodtrunings by Brenda Stein at Metro
Parks’ Centennial Art Center’s gallery, February 3 through March 28.
The exhibit opens with a reception in their honor, on Friday, February
3, between 5 pm and 7 pm.

Award winning artist Kim Barrick is a native of Colorado and current
resident of Tennessee, traveling frequently between homes in both
states. She traces her true discovery of art to a trip, at age 22, to
Paris, France and the Louvre where she saw the Impressionist’s
painters’ works for the first time. She had never really experienced
modern art, except from photographs in books, and reflects, "The small
building across from the Palace intrigued me – after viewing the
overwhelming collection in the main museum. The way the paint was used
by these rebellious artists was breathtaking. I tried to run my
fingers over the thick passages of a Van Gogh. Mesmerized, I did not
notice the guard that was quick and polite that day, but left no
question that touching was not okay. I have never been the same
since."

After a career in banking, Kim Barrick earned a graduate degree in
Social Work and spent time at Vanderbilt Divinity School. She says
that her “…world was changed…” after taking a plein aire (painting
landscapes while outdoors) class. Describing her artistic
inspirations, she says, “Nature is my True North, whether painting
landscapes, wildlife or organic moments in still life. There is always
something that evolved from the earth that draws my attention. Maybe I
relate better to trees and wild animals than people.” Barrick says
that she “…continues to embrace the evolution…” of her art and life, “…
finding light and shadow in every experience…” and that “Nature is
chaos in motion. I just try to paint it and get the exquisite pieces –
be engaged and humbled by the rare – attempt to not miss anything.”

Kim Barrick’s art can be described as both expressionistic and
impressionistic, yet remaining representational. A sought-after
instructor for both plein air and still life painting workshops, her
paintings were acknowledged in Santa Fean Magazine (June/July 2008)
and have been exhibited extensively. Local exhibitions include
Artclectic, Auld Alliance Gallery, Central South Juried Exhibition
(Tennessee Art League, Winner 2009, 2008, 2005, 2004, selected 2007,
2006 and 2003), Fine Art in Brentwood, Leu Gallery, Local Color
Gallery, The Centennial Club, The Harding Art Show and Vanderbilt
University Club. Barrick’s works are also included in numerous private
and corporate collections from coast to coast, including Anchorage,
Aspen, Atlanta, Cape Cod, Chicago, Denver, Florida, Houston, Los
Angeles, Manhattan, Montana, Nantucket, Phoenix, Santa Fe, and in
Europe (Austria and Germany).

An ardent supporter of the “land she loves to paint,” Barrick gives
generously – both as an artist and board member – to local
environmental/preservation groups including (among others) Radnor Lake
Natural Area, The Continental Divide Land Trust, The Land Trust for
Tennessee and The Nature Conservancy. She founded The Chestnut Group,
"Plein Air Painters for the Land" – a non-profit group of 130+ artists
dedicated to preserving open spaces – in 2001. She is a Signature
Member of PAAC (Plein Air Artists of Colorado).

Painter Carolyn Riess-Dodson spent her childhood in Ocean City, NJ,
and came to love art at the age of eleven while studying with a
teacher who came to Ocean City once a week from Philadelphia. As an
adult, she studied art at several universities, including the
University of Texas (Arlington), Canal Zone College (Panama, Central
America), various universities in Indiana and Kentucky and eventually
to Middle Tennessee State University (from which she graduated). She
has spent much of her adult life as a professional astrologer until
her passion for art increasingly became her main focus. Today, she
lives and paints at her home/studio on a small farm near
Murfreesboro.

In her Artist Statement, Carolyn Riess-Dodson reveals her inspirations
and motivations, “For years I've been turned on to interpreting
ordinary scenery into colorful paintings. Many years ago, my teacher
from the Canal Zone – who had since returned to Los Angeles – sent me
a brochure of a Bay Area artist who'd done that very thing in the Napa
Valley area of Northern California. Over the years I've created a
similar approach with landscapes of Middle Tennessee. Although the
landscapes of California and Tennessee are quite different (our wet
versus their arid climate create different formations) painting our
beautiful rolling farm and grasslands in a colorful way is always
exciting for me. I also paint imaginary scenes that fill my mind and
soul, inspired by my years of involvement in astrology, hypnotherapy
and metaphysics. Those gods, heroes and ancient myths provide so much
subject matter for art! My work attempts to draw the viewer's
imagination into that world, if only for a brief moment. I want to
share my version of the potentially colorful countryside that
surrounds us. It's not just brown and green any longer. Then there's
that inner world of fantasy, archetypes and ancient prototypes fueling
my mental, right-brain engine that I've just got to get on canvas!"

Carolyn Riess-Dodson has works included in many private collections
and she teaches painting classes at Plaza Artist Materials (her next
class is scheduled for March). Her exhibitions include Acklen Park
Café, Cadeau Gallery (Columbia, TN), Canal Zone College (Panama),
Donelson Corporate Center, Encore! Nashville, George Vanderbilt Bridge
Club, Jewish Community Center, MTSU Gallery, Rockvale Art Gallery,
Scientology Center, Tennessee Art League and Unity Church of
Nashville.
Woodturner Brenda Stein – an independent studio artist living in
Nashville – creates strong and graceful forms that she says express “…
the individual spirits of Tennessee’s magnificent trees.” She has
trained with woodturning masters David Ellsworth, Ray Key and John
Jordan and was also mentored by the late Charles Alvis. She describes
her approach to her art form, “Combining the perfect curve with the
richness of our Tennessee trees brings me great joy, whether the final
piece is a classic bowl or figurative sculpture. Every tree has a
story. Each piece is the voice of the tree inspiring deeper
connections with our natural world.” Of particular interest and
enjoyment is the creation of commissioned works from trees that have
special significance to their owners. In keeping with her “good
stewardship philosophy," Stein uses only local and reclaimed woods.
This exhibit will include her more typical, beautiful bowls and will
also début some of her newer work that will introduce a more “playful
side” of her repertoire.

Appearing as the featured artist in a Nashville Public Television
program, Tennessee Crossroads: Brenda Stein, Woodturner, her
woodturnings are much sought-after by collectors both locally and
nationally. She has received numerous commissions and has works in
many permanent collections, including Beaman Park (recognition series,
via Metro Parks), Bennett Galleries, Customs House Museum, Fisk
Jubilee Singers, Governor Phil Bredesen (and five governors of other
States), LeQuire Gallery, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Ms. Martha
Ingram/Schermerhorn Symphony, Nashville International Airport (Flying
Solo Exhibition), Renaissance Center, Tennessee Art League’s Premiere
Gallery, Tennessee State Museum, The Tennessee (Governor’s) Residence,
Town of Huntingdon (TN), Warner Parks (recognition series, via Metro
Parks) and Watkins College of Art and Design. She also participates in
selected exhibitions and art shows in the Southeast. Stein has also
served as a juror for many fine-craft festivals and art exhibitions.

A member of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), Brenda
Stein currently serves as Vice President of the Cumberland Valley
Chapter (CVTACA). She also works with Cheekwood’s School Outreach
Program, demonstrating woodturning while both inspiring and educating
students. She is a member of the American Association of Woodturners,
has served as Vice President of the Tennessee Association of
Woodturners, is an active member of The Arts Council of Williamson
County and is an advocate for Tennesseans for the Arts.

Lena Arice Lucas, Centennial Art Center’s gallery manager, says of
this exhibition, “We are very excited to be exhibiting works by such a
strong trio of artists as the “kick off” to our 2012 gallery schedule!
Each artist is solidly, sincerely dedicated to creating their art.
That dedication has resulted in mature, engaging and beautiful works
that should inspire viewers. We hope to see our Art Center supporters
– and many new friends – joining us during the artist’s opening
reception.”

During the Artists’ Reception (Friday, February 3, 5-7 p.m.), the
public may meet and speak with Kim Barrick, Carolyn Riess-Dodson and
Brenda Stein. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Also
of interest, Tom Rice’s outdoor sculpture, bird-bath and garden bench
exhibit continues on display near the Herb Society of Nashville‘s
garden. Centennial Art Center is located in the 25th Avenue North and
Park Plaza Corner of Nashville’s Centennial Park and is open Monday
through Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more information or
directions, call (615) 862-8442. For information about this
exhibition, Centennial Art Center’s gallery and art classes, go to:
http://www.nashville.gov/parks/arts/cac.asp