Vivid Art Gallery First Friday Art Opening

Vivid Art Gallery will be hosting an art opening for July Featured Artist Matthew Schaefer on the second Friday of the month, July 12^th. The opening will run from 4-7 PM, is open to all and is free of charge. 
 
Schaefer will be presenting his latest work in his exhibit entitled “A Feeling of Singularity.” An Evanston artist, Schaefer can be seen around town drawing in his sketch book. He then translates his sketches to inform his paintings, which are created spontaneously, with each brushstroke influencing the next. Applying layer after thin layer of paint, he moves between painting flat blocks of color and more exuberant brushwork. Often, traces of earlier layers peek through the later layers. This exhibit is a collection of these works, depicting scenes from the lakefront to the bustling downtown. 
 
He says, “My work in this exhibit is inspired by what I see. If something catches my eye, I’ll make a quick sketch and come back to it when I’m painting. The sketches influence the final painting not just in subject, but also in the abstractness that exists; I fill in the rest of the scene from my memory of it, which allows me to see where the process takes me.”
 
The paintings in the exhibit are large scale and colorful. While this show encompasses urban and lakeside scenes, Schaefer has also previously created more nature-oriented abstract landscapes as well as minimalistic abstract works. 
 
Schaefer will be on hand at the First Friday to discuss his work and talk with visitors. Please stop by the gallery for the opening or during the month of July to see this unique new work.
 
In addition to the opening at Vivid, the Hubbard Woods Design District will be hosting its First Friday event, with a theme of “Selfies and Snacks.”  Each participating store will have a selfie station set up for visitors to snap and post photos.   In addition, live music will play throughout the district and participating businesses will feature libations and special promotions.