art in the ’burg

Guest Artist Hashim Al Samarrai “Crossroads: Where East Meets West” Opening , First Friday, July 1 Opening recption 5-9 9p Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St.

Throughout July, gallery visitors will experience the power and dynamic quality of an internationally acclaimed Guest Artist from half a world away, Hashim Al Samarrai. Hashim is one of Iraq's premier oil painters. His exhibition at Brush Strokes, titled "Crossroads: Where East Meets West," will be his third in the United States and conveys iconic images of Middle-Eastern culture with enchanting depictions of landscapes and natural features of America, and sites that symbolize democracy. The works selected for this show are painted in oils and acrylics and range in style from realism to impression, expressionism, and abstract art, including "The Dance," in which prancing horses emerge for the viewer from a fluid blue background. His homeland's ancient ways of life, which have always been tied to the land, are disappearing, but Hashim has revived them in paintings such as "Streets of Old Baghdad" and works that convey the lonely challenges of the desert, such as "Man of the Desert" and "Resting Place." Hashim's travels in the United States have served as a beacon of hope and healing for him. "Virginia Gold" captures the mesmerizing beauty of a sunset over the river, while "Sunrise" conveys the hope of a new day. Hashim hopes that his "Crossroads" exhibit will convey the message that, while Iraqi and American cultures may differ on the surface, a shared heart of resilience and common humanity beats at their core and we can recognize the beauty in the "other."

Come on First Friday meet and with Hashim Al Samarrai learn about his work, his vision, and his fascinating life. ~Collette Caprara

“Treasures of Time ”

Works by Christine Lush-R Rodriguez Opening Reception First Friday, June 3, -6 6-9 9pm

Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline .Christine Lush-Rodriguez has exhibited in art shows nationwide since 1997. She uses organic elements as her subject matter in her clay sculptures and vessels. Plant-life and oceanic creatures permeate her work. This blue & white show is a shift in her barnacle work, evoking pieces from long ago, tumbled and washed up on the beach. ~ Sally Cooney Anderson

Canal Quarter Arts 1517 Princess Anne ST

“Sunrise ” , Hashim Al Samarrai.@Brush Strokes “Treasures of Time ” , Christine Lush-R Rodriquez @Artful Dimensions “Two Skiffs ” , Anne Timpano, @ Art First “ARTnando ” All Member Exhibition Opening Reception, 6-9 9pm Art First, 824 Caroline ST

Art First Gallery is splashing into Summer in a big way with this exciting exhibition that will feature work by all current members. The front room will be dedicated to water-related scenes of all types, including water-based flora and fauna, aquatic activities, beach scenes, and waterscapes... ~Jennifer Galvin

First Friday, 6-8 8:30 ~Jeannie Ellis

Darbytown Art Studio First Friday, May 6, 5-8 8:30 .

PONSHOP, 712 Caroline Street Features fine art, ceramics, jewelry by local artist and regional artists

The Artists ' Alliance opening June 10, 6-9 9p 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach Gallery open Sat-S Sun, 11a -5 5p

“Stormy Swell” , Nicole Myers @Art First

.~ Rob Rudick

“The Dance ” , Hashim Al Samarrai @Brush Strokes Gallery

“Radiant Roses ” Beverley Coates “Winter Trees Gulf of Finland” , Penny A Parrish “Sunrise Princess Anne St” , Lynn Abbott