Artist Marie Lauver, Oakland, will be featured by the Garrett County Arts Council at a special exhibition running from March 24 thru May 4, 2020. Lauver will present a talk about her work at a reception on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Gallery Shop, located in the Oakland Arts & Entertainment District at 108 S. Second Street.
The artist grew up in Garrett County and is a graduate of Southern High School. She went on to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree and a minor in history from Memphis College of Art, and then to achieve a master of fine arts degree at the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. Her pieces often focus on the human form, but she also explores the natural world with layered drawings of plants as well as abstract pieces with themes about which she feels passionate.
“My work is inspired by the human condition,” Lauver said. “I explore this via mark-making and pattern.”
Mark-making is a technique in which different lines, patterns, and textures are used to create a piece. It applies to any art material on any surface, not just paint on canvas or pencil on paper. Lauver’s work is multi-faceted, as she uses a wide range of materials.
“My favorite media are drawing materials, but I often love mixing different media together,” the artist said. “I do art that hits a lot of different categories, art with a subject matter that has a lot of personal representation for me. In some of my art, I do not tell people what to think but attempt to get people to think. I like to make art that asks questions instead of attempting to answer them.”
Rachel Precht, manager of The Gallery Shop, said she is excited to host a show by Lauver for several reasons. For one, the exhibit will be in recognition of Gov. Larry Hogan’s proclamation that 2020 is to be the Year of the Woman in Maryland. The shop will be featuring the work of women artists throughout the year. But perhaps more importantly, Lauver is representative of a younger generation.
“We want very much to engage and celebrate our community,” Precht said. “We hope to attract Marie’s peers, and to support and promote more of our county’s emerging artists.” Precht noted that in addition to Lauver’s exhibit, The Gallery Shop will host a special group display at the same time. The theme of this springtime 3D exhibit will be “April Showers Bring May Flowers” to celebrate the change of seasons.
Lauver said she is excited about The Gallery Shop show. “I feel honored to represent my community and create a new dialogue among its Appalachian citizens,” she said.
The Gallery Shop is owned and operated by the Garrett County Arts Council, the official arts agency of the county, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, support, and celebration of all area artists and their work. It is funded by the Maryland State Arts Council, Garrett County government, and through membership. For more information about The Gallery Shop, please contact Precht at rachel@garrettarts.org. The Gallery Shop is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Article submitted by Garrett County Arts Council