Artist Terry Rosenberg investigates primary forces in an art career focused on capturing the tension of opposites one moment at a time. From the early figurative abstractions to the more recent word based digital paintings Colors of War (2007 – 2008), paradox prevails. I was gratified to see a preview of his new series of paintings titled Presidents this past week. The color and gesture of each canvas appears to capture the atmosphere and time of a particular president. The active paint application is counterpoint for the gesturally written name. Rosenberg is simultaneously inscribing each president’s past with each viewer’s present. Every painting provides its own quickening sense of aliveness. Rosenberg first came to Nebraska as a Bemis resident, and now maintains studios in both Omaha and New York City. How exciting to be able to experience the continuing maturity of a consummate artist. Wayne State College will present the exhibition Terry Rosenberg, Presidents November 7-29. The opening reception is Wednesday, November 7, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery, Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska. http://www.terryrosenberg.com/
Lauritzen Gardens presents Quilts in the Garden, Seasonal Reflections November 9 – 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The weekend will feature photographs by Dorothy Tuma, heirloom quilts from the International Quilt Study Center & Museum collection, and creative fiber art pieces made by the Midwest Fiber Art Alliance. The consignment boutique and vendor booths will be selling new and vintage quilts, fabric patterns, fiber art, woven items and more. Celebrate area veterans at a special presentation of ten handmade Quilts of Valor on Sunday, November 11 at 3 p.m. Admission is $7, $3 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6 and garden members. www.lauritzengardens.org.
Travis Apel of Omaha, NE and Patricia Scarborough of Geneva, NE will be exhibiting contrasting works at the Norfolk Arts Center November 8-December 28. Apel’s abstract sculpture and Scarborough’s landscape painting share a common interest in the natural world, from very different points of view. The opening reception is November 15, 6-8 p.m. Each artist will give a brief talk. http://redcrucible.blogspot.com; http://www.pscarboroughart.com.