Friday, July 29, 2011

In the gallery -- August 2011

Floating into the Library's Mary Bishop Memorial Art Gallery, on a silent melody meant for strings, drifts the August Exhibition PAINT ME A SYMPHONY: The Acrylic and Mixed Media Paintings of Cheryl Kaldahl a nationally known artist, vocalist, composer and musician, whose diverse background allows her to weave her unique expression of the arts into her creations. In the Display Cases are A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: Antiques loaned by the members of the Montgomery County Antique Study Club. In her Artist's Statement Cheryl tells us that for her whole life she has been immersed in the sheer beauty of her Indiana environment, and this immersion has been the inspiration for her creative expressions. She learned silence and to listen to the music of her surroundings from her heritage. While walking in the woods, with the wind whispering through the pine needles, her creative spirit is awakened. She listens with her heart, reflecting on her subject, and quietly interprets what she has been drawn to paint or musically compose. On her magical artistic journey her work evolves as she blends new techniques with old.

Cheryl Kaldahl art has been featured in numerous exhibitions, collaborations, featured artist events, juried shows and art fairs. She has received private oil and watercolor instruction and has taken workshops from some of the most highly respected artists in the country.

Cheryl honors her father's artistic lineage by combining his innovative faux painting techniques with her own unique flair, creating a fresh, exclusive style.

Cheryl is the proud owner of Juxtapose: Art & You Gallery, in the Arts & Market District in downtown Lafayette, IN. She has found great joy and fulfillment in doing workshops for the community. She has been commissioned to illustrate a children's book entitled ANGELS IN MY EARS.

Always marching to the beat of her own drum, Cheryl has excelled in the music industry as well. She studied with a Doctor of Music from the Chicago Conservatory of Music and received private classical Piano instruction as well as private Piano Master Classes from visiting professors. Cheryl also received instruction on Composition and Music theory and Concert Piano Refinement. She holds numerous regional and statewide vocal and piano awards. She declined three California record offers to pursue her love of music through teaching. She has taught private piano, organ, voice, guitar, band digital piano/keyboard, and group music education classes.

Through the years she has been a Regional and Indiana State Piano Performance and Theory Judge, President of the Tippecanoe Music Teachers Association, Board Member of the Wabash Valley Watercolor Society, Stage Manager and Performer at Lafayette Civic Theatre, performing actress for regional theaters including musical theater, regional and national piano/vocal performer, and has made TV and radio guest musical appearances.

The Antique Study Club of Montgomery County meets once a month in member's homes to study antiques acquired by members. They are interested in everything old and interesting. They love to share their treasures with others and occasionally, when room becomes scarce, they will sell them so they can put out something newly acquired.

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