Willimantic, Conn. – John O’Donnell, visual arts lecturer at Eastern Connecticut State University, will have an exhibit titled “STILLLIFE” on display at the Westover School’s Schumacher Gallery in Middlebury, CT. The exhibit runs March 18-28. A public reception with the artist will take place on March 22 from 4-6 p.m. Located in Westover’s Louise B. Dillingham Performing Arts Center, the gallery is open Monday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.
“STILLLIFE” is a title that refers to the category of painting as well as to a calm reflection on life and time. O’Donnell’s process and materials are inspired by the history of painting and contemporary abstraction. In the studio he paints directly onto found objects and then attempts to replicate them on a burlap canvas with gesso and acrylic paint. Sometimes he uses oil paint and spray paint to reference different historical and contemporary processes.
The exhibition also includes a video piece created by O’Donnell, who was inspired by a musical composition written and produced by Seattle-based musician Jean Chalant.