‘Being Human’ exhibit on display

Local painter

Valorie Snyder is juror for Depot show

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Littleton Fine Arts Guild members called on skilled local painter Valorie Snyder to be juror for the new exhibit, “Being Human,” which is open through Aug. 5 at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave. in downtown Littleton.

“Connections,” a mixed media painting by S. Williams, was Snyder’s choice for Best of Show. “The painting is a winner on several levels: the use of light, contrast, the illusion of depth and perspective. The use of subtle colors in the background support, but don’t compete with, the people in the foreground. The red and white notes in the foreground lead your eye through the seemingly random clusters of people … on the bus ... one solitary figure in black. Is everyone (wearing masks?) I can’t quite tell … This painting is masterfully done, weaving a story as the viewer is drawn in.”

Fine Arts Guild members meet and plan a yearlong list of exhibits for the Depot and for the Stanton Gallery at Town Hall Arts Center.

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I believe their laughter and relaxed attitude served to calm the

They also exhibit works at several local venues, with a particular member overseeing each location and others helping with hanging each show. Next at the Depot will be the Best of Colorado, opening on Aug. 8 and running through Sept. 10. It is open to non-members and is an annual Western Welcome Week event.

Also featured this summer will be a Bega Park Art Show on Aug. 12, with many members setting up tents and exhibiting art out- nerves of others who didn’t find the turbulence so amusing. Life is full of turbulence, isn’t it? It just seems that every single day we are at odds with one another over something. The turbulence of politics, of cancel side under the green trees. (A most pleasant way for art lovers to spend a day!)

“Well Aged” by Brian Serff is Snyder’s choice for second place in the “Being Human” exhibit. She noted that “watercolor is a particularly difficult medium for portraiture. The clothing is loosely rendered with soft colors that set off the details in this man’s face and dress ... Where is he from? What is the story of his life? We are given clues, but left to wonder ...” culture, of societal pressures, and just overall discontent and disagreements brewing everywhere. Sometimes the turbulence is frightening as it escalates and becomes fierce. And sometimes the turbulence is slight, but still enough to cause us some fear, worry, and doubt.

It has been said that our character isn’t defined by what happens to us, it is defined by how we handle what happens to us. The turbulence happening in the world doesn’t define who we are, how we respond to the turbulence is a much better barometer of who we are. Sometimes we have to just buckle up, fastening our seatbelts and riding out the turbulence as it will eventually smooth out. Other times we may need to hold onto one another, supporting and encouraging each other as we fight our way through the turbulence. And then maybe we can look at the silliest things that feel like turbulence and like the children on the airplane, laugh our way through it.

There are plenty of real-world

Third place was awarded to “The Spell,” in soft pastels by Stacy Roberts. “Movement is the compositional tool that drew me into this piece,” Snyder said. “Primarily a complementary color scheme, this painting is a colorful mix of blues and oranges, with added colors to keep it interesting ...”

Best use of the theme, “Being Human: The Human Condition” is created of leather, fiberglass and metal by Pam Schmidt. Snyder advises the viewer to “look closely to read the text that is written around the figure. This sculpture summarizes the theme of the show.” problems that we face as a society, and we should pay attention to those and become as informed as possible, focusing on the facts instead of opinions and rants of others. It just seems like there is much more noise and turbulence around the silliest and smallest things that get us so worked up. For me, in these situations, my go-to response is laughter, as it really keeps me focused on the more important things in life.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to four artists: “Little Stinker” by Teresa Malone is “an engaging classic portrait in oils”; “Faith and Hope,” glass by Sally Vander Camp; “Being of One Mind,” photograph by Carl Paulson; and “Meditation,” a digital print by Jacqueline Shuler.

The bright red Depot Art Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays , with lots of free parking, free admission and more art in an old caboose placed next to it. Volunteer Fine Arts Guild members operate this charming gallery and are happy to talk about the artwork on displayand to help with sales!

What could be better than an original work of art for a recent graduate or a soon to be married friend?

How do you handle the turbulence? Do you buckle up and ride it out? Do you hold on to others?

Or do you decide that the best response is to smile and laugh it off? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can decide to respond instead of react to all that the world has to throw at us, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.