Current Exhibits   Previous Exhibits   Exhibit Schedule   Back to previous exhibits February 1-24, 2007 THE LAURA RUSSO GALLERY IS PLEASED TO PRESENT: Whitney Nye - A Part, New Work Roll Hardy - Industrial Spaces and Abandoned Places, New Paintings OPENING RECEPTION: First Thursday February 1, 2007 First Thursday Hours, 5-8pm Portland artist Whitney Nye explores composition through patterns of repetition. For this exhibition, A Part, she considers the idea of conversion, "My work is born from a desire to make order out of disorder. Stagnation exists and change becomes necessary. Blades cut through paper, which in turn rearranges physical energy." Nye's intuitive process utilizes obsession as a catalyst for a kind of psychological cleansing. As if metaphorically cleaning one's home, her methodical, almost ritualistic approach releases the past. She paints, layers, and paints, incorporating cut paper and collage, treating the surfaces temporally. Here she builds rich compositions-abstract interpretations that reveal glimpses into the artist's transitional state of mind. A University of Oregon graduate, Whitney Nye has exhibited her work since 1992 in a number of group exhibitions including the Art Gym at Marylhurst University. She was a member of the Regional Arts and Culture Council's design team roster from 1988 to 2002 and an artist in residence at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. Whitney Nye Counterpane collage on panel 48" x 72" More examples by Whitney Nye We are pleased to present our third exhibition of paintings by the young artist, Roll Hardy. Proving to be a contemporary Northwest regionalist, Hardy paints what he sees in the surrounding urban scape, responding particularly to places detached from mainstream society. Hardy's interest in these industrial landscapes and derelict sites comes from their archeological-like mystery, both from their place in history and in their detachment from time and space. Hardy writes, "by attending to places whose very nature is one of neglect, I aim to present a different view where mystery and possibility thrive and change can take hold." Already an adept painter, this artist is worth following as he explores and develops his distinctive realm. Originally from New Hampshire, Roll Hardy graduated from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2002. A promising new comer, he received several scholarships during his studies including the C.S. Price Award for Painting in 2002. His work has been included in many local group shows since 2000 and is part of the Visual Chronicle of Portland collection. Roll Hardy His Hero is Gone 2006 oil on canvas 72.5" x 60.5" More examples by Roll Hardy Next exhibition: March 1 - 31, 2007 Mel Katz - Painted Aluminum Sculpture Connie Kiener - Have a Seat, Recent Ceramic Works