Artworks Gallery Presents:
Marion Adams: Colored Pencil Compositions
James Gemma: Exploring Abstract Relationships in Shape and Color
Exhibition dates: August 29 – September 25, 2021
Gallery Hop: Friday, September 3, 7-9 pm
Marion Adams, Oops 
Marion Adams, A Seat at the Table 
Marion Adams, Blue and White 
Marion Adams, Apples on Blue Willow 
Marion Adams, Catch 
Marion Adams, Dribble 
James Gemma, Color Wall 
James Gemma, Arrangement in Red ,Blue and Green 
James Gemma, Color Crossings 
James Gemma, Color Diamond 
James Gemma, Color Sphere 
James Gemma, Color Stripe l 
James Gemma, Color Stripe 2 
James Gemma, Color Wall 2 
James Gemma, Color Weave 
James Gemma, Moonlight 
James Gemma, String Theory
Marion Adams, “Blue and White”
Marion Adams | Colored Pencil Composition
Marion Adams reflects, “It is interesting where a year can take you, especially if you physically have no place to go!” She took the time to enjoy countless hours researching artists, both contemporary and traditional from the sanctuary of a laptop while in lockdown. The paintings of artists Janet Rickus and Jeff Larson inspired Adams to try my own. Although their paintings are in acrylic and oil, she tried something similar with a favorite medium: colored pencil.
First, traditional crockery became the subject, later followed by blue willow china. Months later, the minimalist styles of pottery by Giorgio Morandi and Sophie Cook inspired her works.
Marion Adams, “Monstera”
Adams was very much at peace this year while creating art, which provided a type of daily mediation and an escape from the constant chatter of the outside world. Making art offered a retreat into a space of quietness and peace. Maia Gambis, “Why Making Art is the New Meditation,” explains that making art is a tool for coping with overwhelming emotion. “Happiness is more a matter of nurturing a space that provides stability and a constant connection to our true selves.”
Marion Adams has had a 30-year career teaching Science, Math, and Art. She holds a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University and undergraduate degrees in education and art. She works in colored pencil, acrylics, and makes 3-dimensional pieces using polymer and paper clay. She has been a member of Artworks Gallery since 2015.
Marion Adams, “Ooops”
James Gemma, “Moonlight”
James Gemma | Exploring Abstract Relationships in Shape and Color
James Gemma’s abstract art is an exciting visual and conceptual exploration of the artistic relationships that may be created among and between colors and shapes. In this exhibition, many of the works use geometric elements as support for these explorations, while others take a more expressive approach. Some of the works have a formal appeal, with arrangements of bold colors and shapes. Others are arranged with softer, more subtle color/shape relationships. Finally, some are just freer, but still with an underlying coherence. Despite its conceptual nature, the art in this collection has a strong aesthetic and energizing appeal. All work in this show is limited edition, original digital art, created with archival paper and ink.
After graduating with advanced degrees from The Ohio State University and careers as university professor and consumer research professional, James Gemma studied art and printmaking at Salem College, and at Wake Forest University. He also has participated in multiple art workshops at Penland School, the Huntington Museum of Art, and the Sawtooth Center for Visual Art. Gemma served four years as board member of Associated Artists of Winston Salem. As Marketing Chairperson of that group, he created the Practicing Artist Series of lectures and critiques, bringing the participation of nationally known artists to Winston-Salem. He is currently a practicing artist, and has been a member of Artworks Gallery since 2009.
James Gemma, “Color Wall 1”
Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11-5; Sunday 1-4
Open for Gallery Hop: Friday, September 3, 7-9 pm
Exhibition dates: August 29 – September 25, 2021
For information about this press release, contact pr@artworks-gallery.org