Showing October 19 – December 31, 2019
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 19 from 2 – 5pm
Grovewood Gallery will present Landscapes of Southern Appalachia, a solo exhibition of work by painter Shawn Krueger, from October 19 – December 31, 2019. There will be a free opening reception on Saturday, October 19, from 2-5 pm that allows the public to meet the artist.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Shawn Krueger received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Calvin College in the late 90s. His approach to painting is rooted in the American Arts & Crafts and Tonalist traditions – both based on love and respect for nature, hand-craftsmanship, and sound design. When asked what drew him to this style, Krueger says, “Their shared ethos is timeless and compelling: Create fully with your head, heart, and hand. Use natural materials. Be in tune with nature. I think to some degree, the typically warm, low-key color palette found in both genres suits my outlook and temperament as a painter.”
Landscapes of Southern Appalachia will feature studio works from plein air studies Krueger did on his recent travels in and around Western North Carolina. “As far as subject matter goes, I have found myself recently enamored with the large, old-growth Tulip Poplars in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest,” says Krueger. “While their disproportionate scale makes for compelling compositions, it’s the almost otherworldly eeriness to some of these massive trees that hold the greatest appeal for me.”
While exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, Krueger says ‘he’s also enjoyed the challenge of depicting things such as tumbled rocks, rivers, and waterfalls. “How does one convey movement in a still image,” asks Krueger. “How do I create the roar of rushing water when a painting is inherently quiet? These are the questions that have kept me awake in the past year.”
In addition to Grovewood Gallery, Krueger also showcases his work at the National Arts and Crafts Conference each February at The Omni Grove Park Inn. In 2016, he was juried into the highly reputable Roycrofters-at-Large Association (RALA), whose mission is “educating, fostering and inspiring through the continual evolution of the Arts and Crafts Movement.” As of 2019, he is also a signature member of the American Tonalist Society (ATS).
About Grovewood Gallery
Established in 1992, Grovewood Gallery is nationally recognized for its dedication to fine American art and craft. Located in historic Grovewood Village adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn, the gallery is noted for its charming, old-world setting and rich craft heritage. This site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, an Arts and Crafts enterprise – originally backed by Edith Vanderbilt – that played a significant role in the Appalachian Craft Revival during the early 20th century.
Today, Grovewood Gallery offers two expansive floors of finely crafted furniture, ceramics, jewelry and more, contributed by over 400 artists and craftspeople from across the United States. The gallery also boasts an outdoor sculpture garden and presents rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am – 5:30pm, and Sunday from 11am – 5pm. Free parking is available on-site.
For more information on Grovewood Gallery, visit www.grovewood.com or call (828) 253-7651.