Love and Commercialism in Marietta Art

On Feb. 3, will host a group show featuring 15 artists whose works will explore the concept of romance through fine art and design.

This show will showcase as well as introduce several new artists and designers to the gallery. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the show will explore the theme of romance, with some works exploring how our concept of love has been shaped by mass-media society. The show will also include work by local fashion accessory designers.

The exhibit will be showing at the gallery through Feb. 24. Images of the artwork will be available for preview on the gallery’s Website by Jan. 30.

“Valentine's Day is a powerful reminder of the symbolic, self-expressive function often served by the products we consume,” said Dr. Samuel Bond, Assistant Professor (Marketing), Georgia Tech College of Management, in a press release.

“In its celebration of romance, the marketplace juxtaposes whimsy and authenticity, ritual and spontaneity, the 'sacred' and the 'profane,'" Bond said in the release. "It is inspiring to witness the breadth of artistic interpretation this phenomenon can evoke.”

Artists participating in the group show Love and Commercialism include:

• Stanford Ashcraft, a painter from Marietta;
• Patty Weisman, a sculptor from Marietta;
• Ava Werner, a mixed media artist from Marietta;
• Pedro Gonzalez, a painter and printmaker from Marietta;
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• Joe Baskerville, a painter from Atlanta;
• Loretta Paraguassu, a painter from Atlanta;
• Teri Levine, a painter and scarf designer from Atlanta;
• Michelle Scot, a painter from Acworth;
• Mary Jane Caldwell, a shoe designer from Dunwoody;
• Beth Maddox, a painter from Jacksonville, Fla.;
• Stephanie Rond, a painter from Columbus, Ohio;
• Kay Vinson, a painter from Birmingham, Ala.;
• Joe Ruminski, a woodturner from Fairview, N.C.; and
• Aaron Ristau, a kinetic sculptor from Loveland, Colo.

The Feb. 3 opening reception will be held at 85 Church St. from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will include live music and refreshments. Gallery hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.