WARREN — Two living examples of inspiration will showcase their art at Crary Art Gallery from Saturday through March 3.
Nate Jeffery teaches art at Penn West Edinboro, Penn State Behrend and the State University of New York – Jamestown Community College (SUNY JCC) even though doing so wasn’t his original goal.
He said, “One fascinating thing about life is that often what we fear is failure, and yet without the inherent tension that risk brings there isn’t any possibility for growth—if one isn’t willing to quit a job, go back to school, or move away then the current limitations remain. But what if a chance is taken?”
Jeffery views art, and life, as a series of adventures, obstacles and mysteries that continuously pique his curiosity.
Also exhibiting in February is Warren native Jesse Wolfgang, who finds his inspiration in works such as Michelangelo, the dark-worked blacks of Rembrandt’s portraits, the fine charcoal work of J. D. Hillberry, nature studies by Pennsylvania’s own Ned Smith, and the hyper-detail of Laurie Lipton’s pencil masterpieces.
After sustaining a significant head injury Wolfgang spent years being limited, no longer able to play sports and experiencing memory impairments that made routine daily tasks nearly impossible.
He said, “My head injury made it difficult to communicate with others. Art has blessed me with being an outlet in which I have become able to communicate with others. Art saved my life.”
The exhibition opening is scheduled 5 to 7 p.m. with artist talks beginning at 6 o’clock. Exhibits will be available for viewing until March 3.
The Crary Art Gallery is a non-profit private art museum located at the corner of Market Street and Sixth Avenue in historic downtown Warren. Its mission is to educate, entertain and extend the importance of visual arts. In addition to displaying its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions are held every other month throughout the year, beginning in February. Hours of operation are noon to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is always free. For more information, visit craryartgallery.org.