August solo show:
Reclaimed; Carved & Cast
featuring
Christopher Wagner
Opening Reception:
Friday, August 1, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
This show focuses on the human experience relating to and engaging with animals. The animals depicted have either benefited from human expansion or have recently been the subject of their efforts to save them. Masked figures are trying to look at the world through animal eyes, stacked totemic sculptures highlight the absurdity of these relationships, and solo animal carvings are all animals that the artist has engaged with.
The title “Reclaimed; Carved & Cast” is in reference to all the material the show is crafted from. Every piece is made from reclaimed material whether wood, bronze, or aluminum. Many of the sculptures and panels are carved straight from blocks of wood that show evidence of their past lives. The cast sculptures contain raw material melted down from salvaged metal.
The First Friday opening reception for this show will take place at Arts on Main (6580 Main Street, Gloucester VA 23061) on Friday, August 1st from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Live music will be provided by Chris Smith. Light bites will be served and beer + wine will be available for purchase. As a special treat, the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society will be attending First Friday with adoptable dogs from the shelter! You won’t want to miss it!
The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, August 30th. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5pm.
Many thanks to our August Sponsor, Mary Jane Zander!
MEET CHRISTOPHER WAGNER
Christopher B. Wagner is a sculptor originally from Kentucky but has lived and worked all over the country. Last summer he relocated from the West Coast to Williamsburg, VA to work as a Studio Art Technician at William & Mary University. He received a B.A. in art history and sculpture from Georgetown College after which he studied Sculpture at Edinboro University in which he graduated in 2010 with an M.F.A.. He has been making and exhibiting his art ever since his work can currently be seen at Guardino Gallery in Portland, OR, Imogen Gallery in Astoria, OR, and the Compound Gallery in Oakland, CA. Along with his own active studio he has worked as a Shop Manager for Eichinger Sculpture studio in Portland, OR; along with serving as an instructor and technician at numerous institutions including Gonzaga University, Mission College, De Anza University and most recently The College of William & Mary. His awards have included a Jurors Choice at Cherry Creek Art Festival, exhibitor at the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Glean Artist Grant, and the Emerging Artist Award from Portland Open Studios. His work focuses on recycled or reconstituted wood as the medium. Utilizing traditional carving skills in the creation of contemporary sculpture. The reclaimed lumber he predominantly sculpts in provides a sense of history that influences what he creates.
Live music will be provided by Chris Smith during the opening reception.
Many thanks to our First Friday Music Sponsor, Mary Jane Zander!
MEET CHRIS SMITH
Chris Smith is a singer-songwriter and one-man-band. His writing is personal, occasionally humorous, and always authentic. His performances include folksy-songwriter ballads, driving finger style guitar, as well as a “live looping” full-band sound for an eclectic and entertaining musical experience. In addition to performing solo, he is a member local bluegrass band “The Tidewinders,” and can also be found playing steel guitar as a sideman all over the tidewater region.