Monongalia Arts Center’s
Benedum Gallery
proudly presents
One Summer
Recent works by Penelyn Peterson
lavish illustrations in colored pencil and mixed media, framed beautifully

Opening Reception Friday, August 7, 2009 6-8PM
Available August 7-29

Press Release:

On Friday, August 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Monongalia Arts Center will hold the opening reception for Penelyn Peterson’s exhibition, “One Summer.” The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view through August 29.

Morgantown artist Peterson’s work is filled with vivid color, expressive line, pattern and archetypal figures. There are vestigial influences from the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations and Mayan imagery, but Peterson has largely transcended these sources, although glimpses may yet be seen in her skeletal figures and the richly decorated headdresses some of her figures wear. She creates works that combine interior reflection and social observation with a keen sense of humor.

In her images is a strong narrative that appears in an interrupted fashion--the work is clearly all a part of a whole, but not necessarily part of a continuous story. While the figure is recognizably the same throughout , don’t expect to “read” a story from drawing to drawing; rather, each picture is a part of an experience expressed in staccato memories. One may begin to look at the work from any wall; any direction. The line draws the eye from piece to piece. Among the notable images are : “If I Could,” “Until Tomorrow,” “The Nightbird’s Song,” “Chant,” “Epitaph,” “Without You I Am Not the Same,“ and “Love and Disappointment,” a piece that is surprisingly nearly monochromatic. The piece from which the exhibition takes its title, “One Summer,” is the newest in the on-going story. It is seldom that one exhibition will appeal to adults and children, but Peterson’s will do just that. Viewers should come prepared to smile, to nod knowingly at some of the works, and to enjoy the rich panoply of imaginary landscape and figurative actors

Peterson received her B.F.A. in painting from Rockford College, Rockford, Illinois, where she also worked extensively in the Theatre Department. For a number of years, Peterson worked in the costume shop, which experience led her to work with theatres in Milwaukee, Rockford, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Fairmont State. In addition to costume, she also created a wonderful dragon for the Milwaukee First Light Children’s Theatre and designed sets. Of her own art, Peterson says, “I think of my work as paper theatre.” Certainly this is in part a result of her theatrical experience, and her on-going interest in mythology and storytelling.

Peterson’s work is in numerous private and public collections, including Tamarack and Fairmont State. At that institution, the artist worked with groups of students to design and implement gallery exhibitions for the Mexican Day of the Dead festivities, a celebration which resonates with West Virginia students who wish to honor deceased members of their extended families. Viewed in part as an educational activity, Peterson held workshops to teach students how to decorate the sugar skulls which are integral to the Day of the Dead. Every two years, the students in the FSU Art Department look forward to the Day of the Dead exhibition. Peterson is co-owner of the Appalachian Gallery, 41 High Street, Morgantown.

The Monongalia Arts Center is located at 107 High Street. Telephone: (304) 393-3325. The regular gallery hours are Monday- Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday noon until 4 p.m. www.monartscenter.com


This space is accessible to those with mobility impairments.

Tags: exhibitionPenelyn Peterson