Even though the Great Winter Spirit is trying its damnedest to keep us trapped inside for fear our feet will freeze to ground, leaving us to flail dorkishly as we attempt to free ourselves, we're all hearty Miltowners and, as such, no amount of snow or cold can keep us from our appointed rounds during this Gallery Night & Day weekend. Am I right, people? Okay then.
One gallery that's living up to the bring-it-on challenge is The Armoury, 1718 N. 1st Street 3N3, where you can warm your various extremities and innards while experiencing the work of six different artists. Entitled Western States, the show includes five artists who work west of the Ole Mississip' and one Milwaukee artist because, well, just because.
Los Angeles-based sculpture, painter and installation artist Aili Schmeltz examines the influence of human development on natural landscapes. Utilizing vivid lines of color, Schmeltz creates structured studies and scenes reminiscent of the typographical maps you've never been able to read.
Also making an appearance from the City of Angels is Gavin Bunner. His works on paper express a strong illustrative style, with many pieces employing blank space as a tool to focus the viewer's eye more intently on the images.
St. Paul, MN native and Austin, TX transplant, photographer William Hundley is firmly rooted in the realm of the absurd, shooting images that translate equally well in series and as standalones. Color, shape and the relationship of subjects are important elements in his staged photos.
San Francisco-based 2D artist Colleen Sanders primarily works with gouache and colored pencils, but she also has the odd lithograph and soap ground aquatint print in her catalog. She seems to have a bit of a hair fetish, creating faceless weaves of delicately rendered coiffures.
Adrianne Watson, also currently living in the City by the Bay, presents a unique visual exploration of the relationship between her Filipino heritage and her upbringing in rural Nebraska. Watson's ink transfer and watercolors on paper are truly striking as the images pop out from perfectly white backgrounds.
And last but certainly not least, local artist Colin Matthes will be offering an installation for your viewing pleasure. Often making use of wall space, it should be interesting to see if and how he does that in this show.
The Armoury Gallery's Western States is open on Gallery Night, January 16, from 5-10PM, and the show runs through February 14.
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