Art Center East opens two new shows

May 3, 2022

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LA GRANDE — Art Center East, 1006 Penn Ave., presents two new art shows this month with opening receptions Friday, May 6, 6-8 p.m.

The Main Gallery will feature “Layers” by Trevor Durr and Jennifer Durr.

For this show, Jennifer literally layered on paint and mud for her series of works.

“As humans, we are layered,” she said. “Life experiences, our perceptions and the connections we make all create layers. As we age, I feel some layers are harder to reach, particularly unresolved trauma and conflict.”

Joining Jennifer’s paintings is Trevor Durr’s photography and sculptural work. One series of sculptures is a collection of face masks retrieved from street gutters, parking lots and sidewalks. In his ceramic work, he uses porcelain to strike a lighter tone about controversial topics, exploring their contradictions. He believes these topics deserve an exploration into deeper layers of discussion, not merely a “black-and-white thinking” approach.

Orlaske Gallery

A show titled “Wild and Whimsical” opens May 6 in the Orlaske Gallery, showcasing the work of Baker City artist Nancy Coffelt.

Coffelt is known for her whimsical and colorful oil pastel pieces. With a background as an artist, children’s book author and illustrator, she now works with acrylic gouache and metal leaf on birch cradled boards.

“My animal images lean more toward realism now, but I still strive for that touch of fun and vivid color in every painting,” she said.

Coffelt said she uses real-life experiences from viewing the wild birds, mule deer, foxes and coyotes that coexist around her home as inspiration for her work.

Raffle

Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the duration of these two shows, May 6 to July 1, for a chance to win paintings by Durr and Coffelt. Proceeds support the youth scholarship fund.

Closing receptions for both shows will be Friday, July 1, 6-8 p.m. Exhibits can also be viewed online at www.artcentereast. org.