What: A celebration of two prominent contemporary female painters
When: Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. / Receptions with Elena Bond & Bette Ridgeway: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening.
Where: 9618 Third Ave, Stone Harbor
Ocean Galleries is hosting an extraordinary duo exhibition, “Beyond the Brush,” showcasing the contrasting yet complementary styles of impressionist painter Elena Bond and abstract expressionist Bette Ridgeway. The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3, with exclusive receptions with the artists from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening.
Celebrating Distinctly Different Styles
Contrasting styles can highlight the brilliance and diversity of artistic expression between artists. “Beyond the Brush” epitomizes this dynamic interplay by featuring two contemporary masters, Elena Bond and Bette Ridgeway. Separately, their methods and styles differ. Together they share a clarity of vision and technical mastery that is second to none.
Meet the Artists
Returning after a successful show last summer, Elena Bond is renowned for her “New Impressionism” style. Born in Russia, Bond’s studied at the State College of Art in Uzbekistan before earning a master’s degree in fine art from the Academy of Art. In 1999, she moved to the United States, where she continues to draw inspiration from her surroundings. Bond’s art is characterized by her exclusive use of a palette knife and hums with motion, energy, and feeling.
That emotional connection is part of what draws Bond to impressionism. “I love the ability to create the kind of world that I want and like on the surface of a canvas. Impressionism lets me combine texture, color and my own thoughts and fantasies in my work,” she explains. “While the subject of my art is often based on the real world, I like that in this genre you can make the world around you more like the one I see in my head.”
And Bond infuses every painting with her imaginative inspiration and unique spirit. “Every piece of art I make is like a little piece of my soul. It’s a part of me,” she says. “And even when it sells, it’s still something that I created from start to finish. I want people to feel like what they have in their home is soulful and filled with love. I want it to fill their rooms with joy and light.”
Bette Ridgeway is equally passionate about her art and brings a different approach as a pour artist. Originating from the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Ridgeway has traveled the world, studying, painting, and teaching across five continents. Focusing on color, space, and time, Bond makes bold, dynamic, large-scale paintings. Her career, spanning over 50 years, has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the 2023 Leonardo DaVinci International Prize.
“For 20 years I painted figuratively. I taught painting and drawing. But, deep inside I knew that I was longing for more. Something was missing. Then I realized that painting landscapes, portraits, still lifes and such, was me interpreting something outside of me,” Ridgeway explains of her journey as an artist.
“When I saw the work of Paul Jenkins in a huge gallery in NYC in 1979, I had a revelation. I needed to paint what was inside of me. Simple as that. So, for decades I’ve been creating abstract paintings that are coming from somewhere deep inside. Mostly inspired by nature, they range from feelings of joy and gratitude to reflection, confusion, and contemplation.”
A Unique Artistic Experience
“Beyond the Brush” is a celebration of two prominent contemporary female painters who employ their entire physical, spiritual, and intellectual talents to create bold and arousing art.
Their creations inspire their collectors by breaking the rules of traditionally made artworks and tapping into their deeper and more heartfelt vision.
Ocean Galleries is eager for patrons to experience this vibrant exploration of creativity, vision, and art by two female artists at the top of their respective genres. Artists’ receptions will offer a rare opportunity to speak with the artists and learn about their inspirations and processes firsthand.
The limited engagement “Beyond the Brush” exhibit includes new, original paintings, from Elena Bond and Bette Ridgeway, as well as a curated selection of Bond’s mixed media. Paintings are available for acquisition throughout the exhibit, which is free and open to the public. Artist receptions are also open to the public, though RSVP is requested.
Exhibit and receptions are complimentary and open to the public, though RSVP is encouraged. To RSVP for Receptions: RSVP for artist receptions at Ocean Galleries Events or by calling 609-368-7777. Walk-ins welcome. For more information, visit www.oceangalleries.com or call 609-368-7777
