Tag: JamesGemma

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September, 2023

Artworks Gallery Presents:
Kimberly Varnadoe: “Contemplating the Elements”
and
James Gemma: “Exploring the BOLD in Abstraction”

Exhibition Dates: August 27-September 29, 2023

Artists’ Reception and Gallery Talk:
Sunday, September 17, 2-4 pm. Talk begins at 2:30.

Also open for:
Gallery Hop: Friday, September 1, 7-9 pm
Art Crush: Friday, September 21, 7-10 pm

James Gemma,” Exploring the Bold in Abstraction”, showcases digitally created art prints on archival paper and inks, as well as acrylic paintings on wood panels. His work is contemporary in nature and explores unique combinations of strong colors and bold shapes to express his abstract conceptions.  This work uses both hard edge and geometric approaches as well as a surprising diversion. This exhibition also includes two black and white prints, which express the ultimate in strong contrast.

After graduating with advanced degrees from The Ohio State University and careers as a university professor and consumer research professional, Mr. Gemma studied art and printmaking at Salem College (under Kimberly Varnadoe), and at Wake Forest University. He also has participated in multiple art workshops at Penland, the Huntington Museum of Art, and the Sawtooth Center for Visual Art. Mr. 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 in downtown Winston-Salem since 2009.

Jim Gemma, “Strata Various” and “Converging/Diverging”

Throughout history, the Elements of fire, earth, air, and water have been used as powerful symbols to convey ideas, emotions, and narratives. Depicted in a wide range of artistic styles, the elements provide inspiration and are used to explore themes such as love, loss, transformation, and the passage of time.

Kimberly Varnadoe, “Contemplating the Elements”, utilizes oil painting as a direct response to a personal passage through emotionally conflicting times. Creating spontaneously as a meditation process, Varnadoe focuses on the natural elements as a basis for understanding oneself, the natural world, and the human experience. The Elements remind us of the natural world’s beautiful complexity, and recognizing the interconnectedness of the elements can inspire a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By appreciating and respecting these elemental forces, we can cultivate a sense of wonder, curiosity, and reverence for our world, enriching our lives and inspiring us to forge meaningful connections with the people, places, and ideas surrounding us.

Kimberly Varnadoe received her BFA in Painting from the University of South Alabama and her MFA in Printmaking from the University of Memphis. She currently works in oil painting as a meditation practice and explores automatic mark making. She enjoys experimentation and feels that art is most alive during the art creation — the final work of art is the record of the process. Varnadoe is a retired Art Professor from Salem College where she mentored artists for more than 25 years. She has been a member of Artworks Gallery since 2003, serving on the board and serves on the boards of Associated Artists of Winston-Salem and DADA, the Downtown Arts District Association. She is a Founding Artist of Artfolios, an online fine art gallery, where her work can be viewed online. She maintains a studio with the Culture WS collective in Winston-Salem.

Kimberly Varnadoe, “LIVE•GROW•FEEL•CARE” and “FLOW”

This exhibit is free and open to the public.

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Sept 2021: Marion Adams and James Gemma

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

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