CRANBURY — When it’s hot outside, escape with “A Journey Through Mixed Media” this July in the Gourgaud Gallery.
Explore Egypt or venture into China through Francine Van Ostrand’s entrancing mixed media paintings, which will be on exhibit from July 12-26. The artist will be available to share and discuss her work with the visitors at the reception on Sunday, July 12 from 1-3 p.m. at the gallery, located in Town Hall, 23-A North Main St. in Cranbury. There will be light refreshments.
“As a full-time artist I enjoy working in the ‘mixed media’ venue,” Ms. Van Ostrand said. “I like to paint with bright colors using acrylics, watercolor and collage in a layering technique, then add lots of texture in a realistic or abstract form. My artwork is decorative but with a strong feeling of purpose. It is free and flows from one shape to another. It is the process of collecting ephemera, making decorative papers, and preparing everything for the canvas that is also very enjoyable to me. I
Born in Paterson, Ms. Van Ostrand grew up in Haledon. She was always interested in art and had a very influential high school art teacher. He introduced her to many mediums ranging from watercolor to batik.
After graduating from high school she went on to Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts for a three-year education in art. After graduation she went on to become a textile designer and worked in that field for 38 years.
When she retired she joined the Ocean County Artist’s Guild (OCAG) and took many classes there. Since she did very detailed work in her textile career and wanted a change she started doing mixed media after taking several classes at the guild with mixed media artist, Dolores Ziegler.
Several years later she has won many awards for her mixed media paintings and now teaches mixed media at the OCAG. She is also president of the OCAG and a member of the Toms River Artist’s Community.
Her artwork is for sale, with 20 percent of each sale going to support the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs. Cash or a check made out to the Cranbury Arts Council is accepted as payment.
The Gourgaud Gallery hours are Sundays: July 12, 19 and 26 from 1-3 p.m. and weekdays: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See www.cranburyartscouncil.org. for more information.