“Persimmon Pop” by Chris Wilke
During the month May, Gallery 717 continues its latest exhibit, “Urban Landscapes and Quiet Moments,” featuring paintings by Louis Escobedo and Chris Wilke. This exceptional duo show highlights urban life and overlooked moments and objects. The show runs through May 31.
The two exceptional artists redefine the “ordinary” world with their remarkable ability to transform often unnoticed subjects—passersby on bustling streets, restaurant workers, construction sites, a cozy house trailer, kumquats—into intriguing works of art. Step back from life’s busy pace, and marvel in a second chance to appreciate overlooked slices life that have been captured on colorful canvases.
During his extensive fine art career, Louis Escobedo has exhibited his work across the United States, including galleries in California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, and Maryland. He has received many awards, most recently the 2014 Gold Medal in the 23rd Oil Painters of America (OPA) National Juried Exhibition Master Signature Division, and will conduct a demonstration at OPA’s 24th National Exhibition & Convention in St. Augustine, Florida, in May.
“City Streets” by Louis Escobedo
“Since I left Colorado,” Escobedo says, “I no longer have Western landscapes to paint. These big old buildings are now my mountains, and the avenues, streets and roads are my mountain streams. Whether I’m painting mountain landscapes or city streetscapes, I’m looking at things as abstract forms. They’re all still shapes and colors and values. Regardless of the so-called ordinariness of the subject matter, I use a trained eye to create paintings that capture the beauty and delight of the world around us.”
Chris Wilke is an Eastern Shore native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and a longtime artist who works in watercolor, graphite, and oils. She is a collector of art and antiques. Wilke says, “I take great pleasure in the quiet moments of the still life. Each painting is a meditation in color and light, reflecting the diversity of everyday life.”
Louis Escobedo and Chris Wilke are exclusively represented by 717 Gallery.
Be sure to save the date for the opening of 717 Gallery’s 2nd Annual National Invitational Show featuring 14 nationally recognized artists: Carolyn Anderson, John Michael Carter, Nancy Seamons Crookston, Howard Friedland, Peggi Kroll-Roberts, Robert Lemler, Paul Mullally, Charles Movalli, Ned Mueller, Laura Robb, Ray Roberts, Randall Sexton, Matt Smith, and Kevin Weckbach. Meet artists at an opening reception on June 5 from 5-8pm during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk.
Located at 717 Goldsborough Street (across the street from the Country School), 717 Gallery is the gateway to the arts in Easton from Route 50. Additional parking is available at the Country School. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30am to 5:00pm, or by appointment. More information is available at www.717gallery.com and on Facebook. Or contact Yolanda Escobedo by email, [email protected], or phone 410.241.7020.
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