Vivid Art Gallery will host an art opening for Featured Artist Brigitte Wolf and Local Artist Beverly Kedzior on April 5th at its monthly First Friday event. The opening, which runs from 5-8 PM, is open to all and is free of charge. In addition to great art, there will be refreshments, including the gallery’s signature “Monet Mule” cocktail. Live jazz will also be playing at the gallery to round out the evening.
 
Wolf will be presenting new work in her exhibit entitled Finally Spring. Wolf works and lives in Chicago, with her studio in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Her exhibit includes a variety of styles, including pure abstracts, geometric forms, and floral motifs. In describing the colorful and expressive art that she creates, Wolf says, “Aside from the dimensions of the canvas itself, there are no limits. I enjoy examining the canvas, exploring depth and dimensions to create a piece that challenges the intellect, invites curiosity, and creates pleasure.”
 
Wolf’s geometric work is inspired by a trip to Italy. Says Wolf, “The geometric paintings come from my interest in shapes and from my love of architecture. I often take walks through different out of the way neighborhoods and am inspired by their uniqueness.” Beyond architecture, the influence of nature is also present in her works. Wolf explains, “My love for nature, and flowers, especially wildflowers appear once in a while on the canvas. I don’t need photos or paint en plein air, I just let the brush express the feeling of freedom and joy nature gives.” 
 
Also on display during the month of March will be works by Local Artist Beverly Kedzior. Her exhibit, titled Pop Abstraction, will include her most recent abstract paintings. Discussing her work, Kedzior says, “Although my paintings are developed with formal structure in mind and an emphasis on material and process, much of the imagery is gleaned from animated film and medical textbooks (due to my family’s history with the genetic disorder Fragile X). The finished paintings stress color, texture and space through the use of traditional and non-traditional tools and printing techniques that include stencils, brushes, rollers, scrapers, masking and resist products.” 
    
Kedzior’s show at the gallery is part of its “Local Artists Program,” which provides exhibition space to a different local artist each month. Says gallery owner Cynthia Burr, “We think it’s important to support the local art community by providing a space for local artists to show their work. It’s a way for artists to build their resumes and gauge public reaction to their work.”
 
In addition to the art opening at Vivid, 14 other businesses in the Hubbard Woods Design and Dine district will once again celebrate First Fridays with a “Cocktail Hop” and special promotions.