The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will present Stephanie Kirkland: “Windswept: Abstract Landscapes” at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center’s Arts Council Gallery from October 2-30, 2020. The exhibit will open with a reception on October 2 from 5-8 p.m. during First Friday. This collection of paintings in acrylic is inspired by the artist’s travels during a road trip out West, including hiking through Glacier, Zion and Grand Canyon national parks.
“These paintings are about capturing the refreshing feeling of being outdoors, as well as the freedom and energy of exploring new surroundings,” stated the artist. “While hiking in Glacier, I was mesmerized by the rushing of water and the grandness of the mountains and in Utah and Arizona, the vibrancy of the cliffs, the rustling of tree leaves and the flickering of light in the afternoon. In both places, I remember the whooshing and beating of the wind. These abstractions are meant to evoke the feeling of those places in hopes of making the viewer feel the significance of these national treasures.”
Stephanie Kirkland is a graduate student in painting in the MFA program at The University of Alabama’s department of art and art history. She earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art and English from UA in 2012. After graduating, she spent a year teaching in rural Alabama before working in the communications field. Kirkland spends much of her free time hiking, which greatly influences her work. Her paintings can also be seen at a concurrent show, the New Graduate Student Exhibition, at the Sella-Granata Art Gallery on UA campus.
Visit the artist’s website at www.stephaniekirklandart.com. For more information about First Friday in downtown Tuscaloosa, the galleries and their locations, visit www.firstfridaytuscaloosa.com.
The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center will be following the guidelines set forth by the City of Tuscaloosa so patrons should be prepared to wear a mask and practice social distancing inside the venue. Hours are weekdays from 1-3 p.m.
The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center is located at 620 Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons should follow and like “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center” on Facebook and Twitter and also Instagram @tuscaloosaartscouncil.