Nature has been a powerful driver of creativity since the earliest known art made by humans in Paleolithic caves. This new exhibition premiering at the University of Alabama Huntsville on June 2, 2010 presents vibrant examples of what happens when contemporary artists explore nature and reflect their surroundings in varied media. A group exhibition The Sanctuary Artists: The Art of Nature will open in the Salmon Library Gallery, continuing through July 25.

In February 2009 the idea of the Sanctuary Artists began forming over coffee shared by Margaret Anne Goldsmith, philanthropist and naturalist, and Clayton Bass, artist and President and CEO of the Huntsville Museum of Art. Attracted by the beauty of the Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary, a recent gift to the City of Huntsville by the Goldsmith family, their hope was to raise awareness within the community of this resource by introducing it to artists. The idea and group quickly evolved to include individuals from many disciplines including the visual arts, natural sciences, literary and oral traditions. Together they continue to explore Huntsville’s newest green space, share their creative responses, and now offer their first group exhibition, The Art of Nature. More information can be found at the Santuary Artists’ blog, http://thesanctuaryartists.blogspot.com/ which contains links to their individual websites.

The Sanctuary Artists: The Art of Nature traveling exhibition venues:

 University of Alabama, Salmon Library Gallery – Huntsville AL - June 2 – July 25, 2010

Guntersville Museum – Guntersville AL - August 7 – October 18, 2010

Carnegie Art Center – Decatur AL - January 2011 – February 2011

 More to be announced soon

In this class, we will explore in-depth how to simplify what we see so that it may be used to express what we feel. We will learn to do this using the tools that are available to us as painters including materials, drawing, color, value, edges and design to create mood, harmony and perspective (3 dimensions). The class will include demonstrations, handouts, and individual attention to each student, snacks and coffee. We will work on 2 still life paintings to put into practice what we are learning and the medium through which this will be done is oil.

Learning to paint is actually learning to really stop and look. It is fundamentally learning how to simplify the vast information presented by our eyes and minds and hearts in an artistic way. It is also learning to express a mood, to describe our three dimensional world in two dimensions, and finally it is learning the patience to develop the skills to use the limited tools we have as painters to accomplish all this. It is one of the many challenges in life that can not be fully mastered; there is always some level of frustration and limitations due to the many variables involved. However, there is a wonderful feeling of fulfillment and joy when facing the challenge of trying to express what we see and feel. The gift of Creativity is inherent in our makeup and God given and to have fulfillment throughout our lives requires us to explore this challenge whether through painting or another form. - Sara Beth Fair

This year, Gala is moving to the Museum! Gala featured artist, Barbara Flowers, and the many other works from talented artists from around the US will be displayed in the galleries. The best examples in regional and local art will be available for view from February 14 – March 6, 2010. More information to come!

Mr. Phillip Otto, Artistic Director of the Huntsville Ballet Company and School, will serve as Master of Ceremonies while the entertaining local auctioneers, Dr. Mark Pullen and Dr. Gary Huckaby, Jr., will conduct a live auction featuring original art, themed dinners, trips, fine jewelry and wine lots. A truly exciting evening awaits you! For more information, call HMA (256) 535-4350 ext. 217.