New exhibitions reflect on art

Two new exhibitions in the Foyer Gallery of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre – photography and fabric work by Amber Friedman, and 25 paintings by a Grade 4 class at Nackawic Elementary School – both have a strong element of responding to art.

Friedman’s photography is a response to ballet students in the dance studio at the Centre, and the students’ work reacts to an original oil painting.

The ballet photographs, in black and white, catch young dancers in a variety of poses and moods, capturing the enthusiasm and intensity of dance.

The fabric works, most of them silk hangings, speak of fragility and elegance and have an ethereal quality.

The children’s work bounces off a painting by Mount Allison student Chris Friel of a large dog. Art teacher Peter Gorham bought the painting as he felt kids would relate to the powerful image, and was concerned that children see so little original art in their classrooms and lives.

The exhibit features their impressions in paintings and drawings and in small essays and shows how a strong piece of original art can trigger a wide variety of emotions as different viewers draw on their own experiences and memories.

An opening reception for both exhibitions is set for Saturday, Jan. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton. The public is invited.