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The media delivers the message; Dawson and Kapfamer at Charlene’s Gallery Ten
Opening reception Saturday, August 16 from 3 – 5 PM
Elizabeth Dawson (mixed media)
Ray Kapfamer (oil and pastel)
August 16 - September 18
Artists
Elizabeth Dawson and Ray Kapfamer are matched up in the next double
feature at Charlene’s Gallery Ten in Gills Rock. The apparent theme
that links them together is a sensual appreciation of their respective
media, up to their elbows in oil, pastel, charcoal and thick, rich
color. Their abstract, yet representational dreamscapes are sure to
provoke thought and engaging discussion, from 3 – 5 PM on Saturday,
August 16. Dialogue with the artists in person as Charlene provides
wine, refreshments and hospitality.\ Elizabeth Dawson
provides an example of the working artist, unfettered by any restraint
in her choice of media. She began exploring photography and creative
writing, graduating in 2004 with a respective degree in those
specialties from Carroll College in Waukesha. But she immediately
continued in pursuit of a deeper engagement with the visual arts,
eventually earning her MA in that discipline from Cardinal Stritch
University in 2006. 
Elizabeth
immediately set to work in her West Allis studio with a number of
diverse media. She exercises her artistic freedom in switching at will
to the most appropriate media for the task at hand. Dawson works
simultaneously in painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture -
often using more than one approach in the same given undertaking.
In
her latest series, Elizabeth explains that intentionally uses a variety
of media to convey the tension that exists between the industrialized
city and the natural environment. She explores the relationship between
the past and the present, layering charcoal drawings with oil glazes to
yield greater contrast and depth. The results display an ethereal
luminescence and a distinct sense of mystery that mirrors the contrast
between nature and industry and echoes the cycle of growth, decay,
death and regeneration that takes place in both arenas of life.
Ray Kapfamer
is a Wisconsin regionalist, a landscape painter who works with oils and
pastels. He considers his work to be about a perceived notion that
relates to specific places and moments in time. He pushes at the limits
of color, extending the palette beyond the representational, even while
painting in plein air. Then, he returns to the studio with his captured
study to finalize the reflections and advance the work to completion. 
His
work pays homage to the push and pull of color in the tradition of
master abstractionist painter Hans Hoffmann. Ray’s true love, the
natural muse is expressed in his landscapes. He employs a vivid range
of color, yet seeks to retain a distinct believability.
“I
leave the work a bit ambiguous… for the viewer to complete,” says
Kapfamer. “I find this contrast and conflict creates a successful
painting.”
Ray is a native of Northern Wisconsin, and has been a
professional artist for the past 18 years. He maintains a working
studio at TheARTGarage in Green Bay and is pleased to be represented by
Gallery Ten in Gills Rock.
Kapfamer received his formal
education from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in the early
1980s. His continuing education includes studies at the University of
Milwaukee and workshops at the Peninsula Art School. Most recently and
most influential to his latest body of work, have been the workshops
undertaken with master painter Rodger Bechtold.
The latest
exhibit of paintings by Elizabeth Dawson and Ray Kapfamer will be on
display through September 18. Charlene's Gallery Ten represents over
100 artists in a gallery collection that is contemporary, original and
eclectic. GT Coffee, complements the gallery, serving espresso drinks,
free wi-fi access and Door County cherry pie by-the-slice.
The
gallery and coffee shop are open Thursday through Monday (closed
Tuesday and Wednesday), from 8 AM to 5 PM at 12625 Hwy. 42 in Gills
Rock, Wisconsin. Telephone 920.854.9907 for further information.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Charlene, Dewey, Cuppa' Joe and Arthur
For more information on upcoming shows and a portfolio sampling of our collection visit ... GalleryTen.com
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