Gadsden to Exhibit "Dean Mitchell's New Orleans"

Opening on Friday, July 25 at the Gadsden Arts Center, "Dean Mitchell's New Orleans" is an exhibition of Mitchell's work that reveals the sights and spirit of a cultural legacy, unique only to New Orleans.

Over the past 20 years, Mitchell, a Quincy native, has been enchanted by New Orleans, sensing that it is "the soul of a nation." When speaking about his countless paintings of New Orleans, Mitchell says he has "poured [his] soul into each painting to honor those who have left us with such haunting and incredible beauty". This exhibition offers a glimpse into what New Orleans was like before the devastating hurricane Katrina destroyed much of its historic architecture in 2005.

In the adjacent Zoe Golloway Gallery, expressive watercolors of scenes from the rural south by fellow Quincy native Timothy Myrick are on display. Myrick, now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, often writes stories about his artwork, offering as he calls it, a "fourth dimension" to the viewing experience.

Also opening on July 25 is Light Reflections, an exhibition featuring René Lynch & Linda Pelc in the Bates Community Room Gallery. Lynch is a watercolorist who paints the scenes and memories of her extensive travels around the world, capturing her love of the landscape. Pelc considers painting is a life-long passion, and the fact that "watercolor paint sparkles with light just like diamonds do", is what has always attracted her to the medium.

These exhibitions are presented by Westcott Lakes at Southwood, with additional support contributed by Tri-Eagle Sales.

Everyone is invited to the Opening Reception on Friday, July 25, 6 to 9 p.m. The Gallery Talk begins at 6:30 pm.

The Gadsden Arts Center is located 25 minutes from the State Capitol at 13 N. Madison on Quincy's historic courthouse square. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Public admission $1; members and children admission is free.

For more information, call 875-4866 or visit www.gadsdenarts.org