FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Ann Simmons, Arts Coordinator
City of North Charleston
Cultural Arts Department
(843) 740-5854
culturalarts@northcharleston.org
North Charleston City Gallery to Exhibit Works
By Melody Croft and Matthew Dietz
Concurrent exhibitions of portraits and abstracts on display throughout September
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC –The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that portraits in oil by Athens, GA artist Melody Croft as well as abstract acrylic pieces by local artist Matthew Dietz will be on display at the North Charleston City Gallery from Sept. 3-26, 2015. The artists will host a free public reception at the gallery from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
The Space Between Us – Portraits by Melody Croft
In The Space Between Us, Melody Croft will display 12 thought-provoking portraits in oil on canvas with paper that examine the status quo and social norms of modern life. Her “untraditional, realistic narratives” invite viewers to observe and consider the psychological, sociological, or emotional complexities of races, gender, age, and culture. Many of her pieces are inspired by people’s appearance or personality. Croft incorporates letters from newspapers or magazines to include poetry excerpts on her work in order to stir up emotions. To learn more, visit melodycroft.com.
Croft had been drawing for since childhood but did not consider herself an artist until the age of 32. This is when she started reading self-help books about watercolor painting and taught herself how to paint. About a decade later, she began dabbling into oil painting and continued ever since. In 2009, Croft retired from teaching and started her journey as a full-time artist. She has contributed to more than 10 publications within recent years via web and print.
Process, Pattern, and Transition – Abstract Works by Matthew Dietz
Local artist Matthew Dietz will present Process, Pattern, and Transition, a collection of abstract paintings in acrylic created through techniques deeply rooted in his studio practice that convey visual experiences, as well as completely non-objective ideas. “My collections of shapes and space will continue to change as I pursue the next hidden gem. It is the discovery of that gem that completes the art work and keeps me interested in making images,” Dietz states.
Matthew Dietz was born in Columbus, Indiana, where he grew up surrounded by architecture and public art. He earned his B.F.A. as a double major in painting and printmaking from IUPUI Herron School of Art, his Post-Baccalaureate certificate in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and his M.F.A. in painting and drawing at Ohio State University. Dietz’s teaching experience includes, but is not limited to, adult figure drawing, summer camp art classes, drawing classes at Ohio State University, Trident Technical College, and other institutions of art. He has also exhibited his work in several group exhibitions throughout the country.
The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free during regular Convention Center operating hours, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The gallery is staffed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org.
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