GRAND GALLERIES

Janet Williams

Musicians and Landscapes

(February 26, 2025 - March 31, 2025)

Jupiter & Okwess by Janet Williams

Janet Williams “Musicians and Landscapes”

Artist Statement

I grew up in Ardencroft, Delaware and studied at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Later I graduated from The University of Delaware and earned a Master’s Degree in Interactive Media from Philadelphia University. After working in different aspects of media in Philadelphia for many years, I began practicing yoga. Through yoga and being mindful of the present moment, my interest in painting was renewed. I discovered a love of painting outdoors and found the changing light and all the nuances nature provides a challenge. I moved back to Ardencroft and along with landscape painting, I began painting live bands at the Shady Grove in Arden.

Show description

My Musicians and Landscapes show at The Grand includes both landscape paintings and studies of musicians. While painting in Arden, I ended up in the Shady Grove concert venue and began painting the musicians. These paintings were often quick studies with a pallet knife since the band would only be on stage for 20 minutes. Other concerts were longer, which allowed me to add more detail. I also painted during the lunchtime concerts at Bellevue State Park where I could get closer and was able to make the paintings more realistic. These paintings were often sold on the spot to the musicians.

My landscape paintings are my primary focus and were mostly created in Delaware, but others were painted in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Martha’s Vineyard. While painting plein air, I look to achieve interesting subject matter, good composition, and appealing color that work harmoniously to deliver a skillful, well-executed painting. I have shown my landscape paintings locally, but this is the first show featuring the paintings of musicians

Jeffrey Hankinson Body and Soul

(February 26, 2025 - March 31, 2025)

Earth II - Life by Jeffrey Hankinson

Artist Biography

Jeffrey is a South Carolina native and graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem NC with a concentration in classical ballet. Jeffrey also trained at the School of American Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, The Koln Dance Academie in Germany, and with esteemed teachers Maggie Black, David Howard, Robert Denvers, Melissa Hayden, and Robert Blankshine. Jeffrey was a soloist with Ballet D’Angelo. He later joined Alvin Ailey II, directed by Sylvia Waters. Jeffrey has danced with the Elisa Monte Dance Company, the Joyce Triscler Dance Company, and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and has toured throughout the United States, Europe and Aisia. Jeffrey continues to teach classical ballet and has guest-taught at many dance companies, studios and schools around the country and abroad.

Show Description

As a former classical dancer, movement plays a large role in my work along with color, texture, and light. I tend to gravitate towards working on larger canvases. I really love experimenting with metallic paints and metal leafing textures that add depth to the work. I find inspiration in all things, and I always try to allow myself to be amazed. My hope is that the viewer finds their own story in my work, a visual, non-verbal conversation.