Arts for ACT Gallery will host an artists reception on Aug. 2 for the opening of an exhibit featuring Patrick Conolly and a group exhibit for Altars, Shrines and Cabinets of Curiosities.
Patrick Conolly has dabbled with the arts all his life. Using acrylics, his art appears spontaneously from his imagination. Most of Conolly’s recent works celebrate and reflect the unique beauty of Southwest Florida. He plays with the surface of his canvases, making them smooth and shiny. His line work is minimal, while his colors are bright. His large works are simple, while the smaller works are filled with detail.
His more recent paintings include “redefining” earlier works, some of which are one-of-a-kind prints, while others are something quite new. He has created a numbered series called Conolly’s Folly.
In the Altars, Shrines and Cabinets of Curiosities exhibit, artists pay homage to loved ones, their muses, as points of power or religious focus. Some are mystical most are fashioned from found objects and created with found objects. The objects used in the shire are dear to the creator or connected to the deity or person in the altar. Cabinets of Curiosities can be a collection of notable objects encased in an altered cabinet. Collections can be historical, religious or antiques.
Creating an altar or shrine or cabinet of curiosity is a sacred act of power and grace. These pieces create and show devotion, love and loss and connects us with life energy. You can expect to see an array of eclectic, surreal and whimsical altars, shrines and cabinets of curiosities.
This exhibit continues through Monday, Sept. 2. Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. The opening will be held from 6 to 10 pm. on Friday, Aug. 2 in conjunction with Art Walk. For more information, call the gallery at 239-337-5050.
