By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
EAST WINDSOR — Maxine Shore uses color and light to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
She paints to hold onto the memory of a special place in a particular time.
“Painting a familiar scene resonates with me as it brings to mind wonderful memories,” Ms. Shore said. “But I am also inspired to paint unfamiliar settings because I’m dazzled by colors, or light, or unique feelings I have from being surrounded by unexpected beauty.
Born in New York, New York, Ms. Shore was educated at Chatham College, Middlebury College and Parsons School of Design. She has also taken courses at the National Academy of Design, School of Visual Arts and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She has taught art at both Roosevelt Public School in Roosevelt and Johnson Park School in Princeton. She currently resides in East Windsor.
Ms. Shore enjoys exploring the interplay of shapes, patterns of lights and darks, and composition, believing that even when a painting is representational there exists an abstract dynamic below the surface. As a painter, she also believes her purpose is to freeze the fleeting scenes of daily life and to invite others to share them with her.
“So many moments escape our notice because we are caught up in the ordinariness of daily life,” Ms. Shore said.
Ms. Shore has exhibited her work throughout the area including the Mercer County College Annual Art Show in West Windsor, the Art Way Gallery in Plainsboro, Small World Café and Café 44 in Princeton, the Ellarslie Open XXXI Trenton Museum in Trenton, and the Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. Her work has also been featured in shows as far away as Bennington College in Vermont and Ghost Ranch in New Mexico.
Her awards and honors include the “2010 People’s Choice Award” at the Artsbridge Annual Art Show in Stockton, the “2010 Juror’s Award” at the Mercer County Art Show and having her “Magic Hour” painting selected for inclusion in the Ellarslie Museum calendar.
Ms. Shore’s work will be featured in “Radiance” at the Artists’ Gallery through Aug. 2. There will be an opening reception from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. The gallery is located at 18 Bridge St. in Lambertville. For more information about the exhibit, call 609-397-4588 or email contact@lambertvillearts.
For more information about Maxine Shore and her oil paintings, email maxineshore@gmail.com or visit maxineshore.com.
