In the Members' Gallery

Arts Depot Showcasing Four Local Artists in the Members' Gallery

The Arts Depot In Abingdon is showcasing four regional artists in the Members Gallery continuing through September 24th. A meet the artists' reception will be held Sunday, August 28, 2005 from 2 - 4 PM. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

Don Josif of Abingdon, VA has been photographing since he bought his first camera from a shipmate over a half-century ago. Don held a deep interest in geography and earned a PhD in geography at UCLA. He has combined his love for geography with photography and this is can be observed by the varied subjects in his photographic exhibit. Don says "I find it enormously satisfying to take a picture. It is adsorbing to look at the scene before me, to find the best perspective, to see it through my camera viewer, to reflect upon it and try to make the best composition of the scene. When done to satisfaction I get a very calm sense of relaxation".

"Bluestone Limestone" a photograph by Don Josif

Sanctuary", a Chemograph by Peyton Russo

Peyton Russo of St. Paul, VA studied photography at Roanoke College, spent many years in New York City as well as Rome, Italy. During her storied life, she has worked as a photographer-reporter for the Roanoke World News and the Bristol Herald-Courier. She also copied records on microfilm at the height of the Cold War. Russo's exhibit features both traditional photography plus some paintings she calls "Chemography" or chemical painting. This process involves working with chemicals directly onto sensitized photographic paper. She makes no use of camera, negative or enlarger. "The materials are those of the photographer; the process is that of the painter," Russo says.

"Spring Daisy", an acrylic by Kitty Williams

Kitty Williams of Bristol, TN painted mostly in oils for fourteen years. She has drawn on this experience to springboard into pastels, acrylics, and collage and presents both abstract and realistic work in these medias. She has always been interested in art and can remember drawing and painting when she was five years old. She is largely a self-taught artist and prefers still life and portraits, but is known to paint most anything that strikes her fancy. Kitty is a frequent award winner in shows throughout the region. She is active in the Kingsport Art Guild, the Depot Artists Association, and the Bristol Art Guild, the later in which she has held many offices, including President for two years. She also is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America. Kitty relates, "Capturing light is something I almost always strive for in my work, or to achieve a special mood or effect."

"Virginia Avenue", an acrylic by Jim Hite (Bristol scene)

Jim Hite of Bristol, TN is an artist who is currently focusing on watercolor. Recently retired from the computer industry, Jim taught art at Bristol Tennessee High School.

The Arts Depot is a non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to promoting the arts in the community and features the region’s artists. The Arts Depot is located in the historic Depot Square area of downtown Abingdon, VA. The gallery and artists studios are open for your viewing pleasure Thursday thru Saturday, 11-3 pm, or by appointment. There is no admission charge. For further information, please contact the Arts Depot at (276) 628-9091, or e-mail at artsdepot@naxs.net.