THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605290130
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 54 lines
IT WAS AN evening of grand tradition.
Most exhibits at the Suffolk Art League's Annual Open Members Show are traditional, as was opening-night entertainment - The Tomcats, a traditional Dixieland jazz group.
``This is one of the largest exhibits we've ever had,'' said Linda Bunch, the league's administrative assistant.
There are 91 pieces by 49 artists, including Bunch, with clay works ``Terra Pueblo'' and ``Fish Pot II.'' The first is not for sale, the second is priced at $185.
If you really want to spend, David S. Allen has the bronze for you. ``Mandalas'' sells for $1,450 and ``Intensity'' for $1,600.
``Overall, the show has quite a diversity of offerings,'' said Richard French, art teacher at Southwestern Elementary School. ``There are a lot of traditional watercolors and a few breakouts in terms of spontaneity.''
His work is in the latter category. ``Ambiguity,'' which is not for sale, is a mixed-acrylic interpretation of ``The Lord's Prayer.''
French describes it this way: ``We use the talk, not the walk. This is a look at war and prisons - at how we look at things. We spend so much time designing weapons. We should spend that time creating.''
His other creation is lighthearted, offering a message of its own. It shows a grinning chimp wearing a tie. It is the ``Chairman Of the Board.'' It's price: $120.
Most of the prices are not terribly high and, if your taste runs to the traditional, ``there are a lot of animals and birds,'' said Lee S. Vesely.
Vesely's ``Green Eyes'' and an untitled piece are not for sale.
Dixon Morrow's oils are for sale. For $120, you can buy either ``Dealt the Wrong Hand'' or ``Inside, I Am Outside Invisible, Invincible.''
If you think the titles are tough, you have to see the paintings by the Joseph P. King Elementary School, Franklin, art teacher. His work, outlandish but fascinating, is going against this year's trend.
``We don't have as much pure abstract. There is a lot of contemporary in this show,'' Bunch said. ``We try to give all our members a chance to exhibit - beginners and professionals.''
Geographically, Suffolk Art League members represent Virginia Beach to Franklin, Newport News to Corapeake. Some of their offerings are back-yard pieces.
Barbara McNeil-Vesely offers a photograph of the ``Kitty Hawk Pier,'' Bob Robertson's watercolor is ``On the James.''
Gail Saunders offers a ``Red Barn'' and a ``Tobacco Barn'' - acrylics. John R. Taylor gets real close to home with his acrylic, ``Pitchkettle Point.''
The seafood lover in you can try Lee Gerry Wertheimer's oriental watercolors - ``Three Blue Crabs'' or ``Three Jumbo Shrimp.''
The opening night menu concentrated on dishes included in ``The Edible Palette,'' a collection of recipes from Suffolk Art League members.
Illustrated? Of course. Artist/ teacher Taylor does the honors. by CNB