The Cooley Gallery is proud to announce an exhibition and sale of art by Jan Cummings Good in "Unfolding Impressions," opening September 22nd at the gallery on 25 Lyme Street in Old Lyme. This is Jan's premier exhibition at The Cooley Gallery of her work in various media. There will be an opening reception from 5 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 22nd.
Jan is known to many as a graphic designer and partner in the nationally recognized firm of Cummings and Good as well as the co-owner of C&G, a stylish clothing boutique in Chester. When Jan's not immersed in either endeavor she's making fine art. Any one of these pursuits would be all-consuming for most but for Jan they are just other branches of the same expressive tree.
Jeff Cooley, owner of the Cooley Gallery and his wife, Betsey were in Chester last year and spent the afternoon with Jan and her husband, Peter Good. "We knew Jan's art and we've talked about doing a show at the gallery but we weren't sure exactly how it was going to work. Jan mines themes of power and vulnerability in her art and has the skill to portray their coexistence very elegantly. She often uses herself as a subject. Standing there and looking at her work I was struck by Jan's generosity of process in putting herself out there. I was impressed by a sense of eagerness for exchange with her viewers and how inclusive it felt. That inclusiveness is what I hope we communicate in our gallery."
Thematically, much of the work in "Unfolding Impressions" comes out of a series of body paintings, where Jan covered her skin in paint and literally applied herself to the canvas. The process was a "forced deconstruction" with arms, legs and torsos, after touching the canvas, fragmented into unfamiliar shapes with varied surfaces.
Jan's been making art all her life but formally acknowledges a career of 40 years. While talking about the theme of her show at the gallery the word "retrospective" came up, fell to the ground and everyone politely stepped over it. Jan notes, "This show represents much of my career but this isn't a looking back exhibition. There's so much more to do." Among the paintings shown in this exhibition is electronically generated art. This is a first for the Cooley Gallery, known for one-of-a-kind and historic American paintings and sculpture but, then again, this is a show is about taking chances and making the process of discovery inclusive.
Jan will host a gallery talk and open discussion about her work and creative process at The Cooley Gallery on Saturday, October 20th at 5 p.m. All are welcome and admission is free of charge. Refreshments will be served.
A color catalogue of Jan's work with an essay written by Justin Good is available upon request.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online anytime at www.cooleygallery.com.
Founded in 1981 and located in the heart of historic Old Lyme, the Cooley Gallery specializes in fine American paintings from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including the Hudson River School, American Impressionism, and select contemporary artists.
Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Please call (860) 434-8807 or visit www.cooleygallery.com for additional information. The Cooley Gallery is located at 25 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
