STATE COLLEGE — The quiet beauty of the Northeast coastline is captured in paint and canvas by artists Brienne Brown and Beverly Klucher.
The exhibit — “Ship to Shore” — can be viewed at the State College Framing Co. and Gallery beginning on Saturday, April 29, at the Hills Plaza location.
Following an opening reception honoring the artists, the show will continue through Saturday, June 10.
John McQueary, owner of the State College Framing Co., conceived of the idea of an exhibit depicting land- and seascapes near and at the American East Coast.
“We do three to five shows a year,” said McQueary. “This one really came from Beverly Klucher. She wanted to feature seascapes. Especially New England sea towns.”
McQueary said the exhibits are an opportunity for the entire community to see fine art and a first-class gallery for its viewing.
He said that the success of this event, for him, is not about the sale of paintings. Instead, it lets local artists know that they have an excellent gallery for their work. The event also brings the Framing Factory to the fore and introduces other artists who want to be featured.
“We hope to attract between 75 and 125 people to the opening night reception on April 29th,” McQueary said. “There will be a nice spread of food, including much seafood. Come, meet two outstanding artists. It’s a nice prequel to a date night.”
There is no charge for the reception and the public is invited.
Brienne Brown’s path to a painting career started with a degree in chemistry. She worked in toxicology before she started to paint.
“I started to paint more and got into plein air,” she said. Plein air is a style in which paintings are physically created ‘in the open air’ rather than painted indoors.
She gravitated to landscapes and has been involved in many plein air competitions.
“I am mostly drawn to harbors and everything that goes on there,” said Brown. “I love what I do. And putting this show together has been really entertaining and fun. Our work looks great together.”
Not doing art makes both painters miserable. Expressing themselves artistically and creatively is important to their happiness. “Creative outlets help to balance your life. They bring joy,” said Brown.
Klucher started loving art when she was 8 years old.
“I lived in England for three years and there I had a teacher who told me to never stop doing art. I have been an artist ever since,” Klucher said.
Like Brown, she has been attracted by scenes along the coast.
“I hope to inspire people to notice the beauty of the shore and take notice of the atmosphere the shore creates. I want people to find peace in my art. I think that’s what art does. It gives them a sense of inner tranquility, a sense of accomplishment.”
Klucher noted that art gives her a sense of worth and value. “It always brings me back to the center of life. I especially love working with light. I am always looking to capture light.”
For Brown and Klucher, art is a gift they want to share.
IF YOU GO
What: “Ship to Shore” art show featuring Brienne Brown and Beverly Klucher
When: Saturday, April 29, through Saturday, June 10
Where: State College Framing Co., Hills Plaza, 160 Rolling Ridge Drive, State College
