SHREWSBURY – Lauding the “innovative, avant-garde and edgy,” members of the Guild of Creative Art were recently encouraged to flaunt their wild side in the gallery’s latest exhibition of members’ art.
The Guild of Creative Art, which is located in Shrewsbury, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing excellence in the visual arts through teaching, exhibits, workshops and special events, according to the organization’s website.
Artist David Levy, who is the co-president of the guild’s Board of Directors, said the “stylishly provocative” showcase is one of the gallery’s most popular exhibitions.
“(Each year) we ask our artists to think outside the box and make themselves feel maybe a little bit uncomfortable. This could be done stylistically, thematically, or with (a) medium,” Levy said.
Levy explained that the level of artistic discomfort an artist wishes to cite or magnify in their works is part of what makes the annual exhibition so interesting.
“Knowing most of the artists here, I know whether they are being edgy for them,” Levy said. “There are some traditional pieces here, but I think by and large this is an edgy (show). People have a lot of fun.”
Referencing a work by Lucy Campanella, Levy said the artist, who typically creates representational art, “went outside of her comfort zone” to produce a vibrant abstract work.
“This foray into abstraction is fairly recent,” Levy said. “I would say that not only the abstraction, but the nature (of the piece) … is definitely outside her comfort zone.”
Pointing to an award-winning ink and graphite drawing by Bill Ross, Levy described the black and white work of dark surrealism as intricate and profound.
“Bill Ross is amazing,” Levy said. “There is unbelievable meticulous detail … He’s got the technical virtuosity, the imagination and the originality, but this (style) is very much him.”
The Guild of Creative Art stands at 620 Broad St. in Shrewsbury,. The free gallery offers new exhibits each month and is open to the public. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The guild features fine art courses and workshops for adults, children and teenagers; fine artwork in various disciplines from local and regional artists; original art at affordable prices; independent gallery space rental for exhibiting member artists; and free docent tours and presentations.