BERLIN – Local artists join artist in residence, Kevin Fitzgerald, for a show of their latest paintings at Water’s Edge Gallery this month.
The lineup includes Pete Cosby, Patrick Henry, Randy Hofman, Parker Nicholls, Brooke Rogers, Deborah Rolig and Peggy Warfield.
Works will be displayed beginning in November and with an artists’ reception during
Berlin’s 2nd Friday Art Stroll on Nov. 12 and during Holiday Arts Night and Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 26. This is a rare opportunity to view the work of some of the most well known artists from the lower
Eastern Shore in one exhibition.
“We are excited to showcase some of the best in local art and talent,” said gallery manager Gail Lewis. “Each artist brings his or her own style from traditional landscapes to modern interpretations. The show is guaranteed to offer something for everyone.”
Nationally recognized artist Fitzgerald will be headlining the show with his latest series of landscapes. Fitzgerald has been painting for over 30 years and holds a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art and an MFA under full fellowship from
George
Washington
University.
Berlin artist Cosby is self-taught and paints primarily in oils and focuses on the theme of “Wind, Water and Waves.” He has been influenced by other local artists including fellow show participant Henry who offers a distinctive painting style while exploring a diverse subject matter. Henry’s work is attracting a growing number of collectors and admirers.
Biblical sand sculptor Hofman has been painting since childhood. The Ocean Pines artist paints scenes from Assateague with interwoven religious interpretations.
In 1999, Nicholls, also from
Berlin, suffered a catastrophic knee injury led to near fatal medical complications which led Parker back to painting, primarily as therapy. This artist’s diverse life experiences and personal challenges have become a constant point of artistic reference. His soulful images inspire powerful feelings of faith, hope family and humanity.
Ocean
City native
Rogers studied with abstract expressionist Grace Hartigan at the Hoffberger School of Painting in
Baltimore, where he received an MFA in 1992. Although his large-scale paintings often tend toward abstraction, much of his work starts with direct observation from nature.
The narrative quality of Snow Hill-based artist Rolig’s paintings combined with the juxtaposition of bits of realism on an abstract field captures a broad audience. The rich textures and many layers of color give the viewer a sense of the evolution of each painting.
Artist Warfield ventured into watercolor painting over 23 years ago later to discover collaging. She feels that the art of collage allows the viewer to become a participant by attaching his or her own meaning to the work.
All of these local artists are on display now through the end of the month. The Water’s Edge Gallery is in downtown
Berlin at
2 South Main St., across from the Atlantic Hotel, and is open to the public seven days a week. For information, contact the gallery at 410-629-1784 or visit www.WatersEdgeBerlin.com.
