"#21" by michael newman
LOOK CLOSER: The Work of Michael Newman and Stuart Alter opens at the William Way LGBT community Center
Exhibition Dates: March 11-April 29, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday March 11, 2016 6:00- 8:00pm
Philadelphia, PA - 2/18/2016 - The William Way Community Center is excited to announce the opening of our latest exhibition of artwork by local LGBT artists. On March 11, the Center will host the opening exhibition for Look Closer, featuring the work of Michael Newman and Stuart Alter.
“We’re constantly reexamining and re-framing the definition of LGBTQ art in our conversations,” says Center Program Director R. Eric Thomas. “These two artists identify as part of the community and use their experiences to inform their art. What’s most exciting to me about Michael and Stuart’s work is that in its vibrant abstractness it challenges the viewer to find that piece of the artist’s perspective that has been placed in the canvas.”
Newman is a trained actor who utilizes the Meisner technique- a method that taps on emotional recall and sense memory- as part of his painting process. The technique is evident in the way that his work is imbued with arresting points of view that invite you to draw close.
Alter is a self-taught painter who sees colors as unique, almost regal entities and his paintings show the exchanges they create as they come together on canvas. He draws inspiration from the fleeting moments in time or nature when we notice an object as it is, without our own interpretations, and as such, each of his pieces are named to allow for many different perspectives on the work.
As always, we are incredibly excited to feature the work of local queer artists who are embracing new techniques and mediums with their work.
Look Closer opens on March 11, 2016 with a public reception from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Admission is free and the reception is open to the public. The exhibition runs until April 29. The William Way Art Gallery, located in the lobby of the William Way Community Center, is open Monday – Friday 11 am – 10:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
The William Way LGBT Community Center is located at 1315 Spruce Street. The exhibit is free and open during Center hours: Monday through Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5pm. For more information, call 215-732-2220.
About The William Way LGBT Community Center
The William Way LGBT Community Center seeks to encourage, support, and advocate for the well-being and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities through service, recreational, educational, and cultural programming. For more information, call 215-732-2220 or visit waygay.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact R. Eric Thomas at 215-732-2220 or email at ethomas@waygay.org.
Image information:
#21 by Michael Newman
acrylic on pressed board
18 3/16" x 31 1/4"