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ARCHWAY GALLERY
Archway Gallery presents
Water and Wood: Opposites Attract
Featuring Watercolor Paintings by Cookie Wells and Wood Furniture by Tom Wells
Exhibition
September 2 – October 5, 2017
September 2 – October 5, 2017
Cookie and Tom Wells', Water and Wood: Opposites Attract, will be on view September 2 – October 5, 2017.
With this new body of work, Cookie Wells "goes into the woods" with her colorful and evocative figures. This collaborative show with husband Tom Wells, a self-taught woodworker and furniture maker, has the Archway artist finding inspiration from the trees that surround her, leading to artistic interpretations of them as "figures" in nature.
The beautiful lines and interesting textures of Tom Wells' furniture are as evocative as the figurative paintings of Cookie Wells, making this collaboration a perfect match. Each artist is passionate about their work and each is passionate about nature. Two visions, two elements, two passions come together in a new experience for both artists.
Cookie's favorite quote from one of her favorite artists, Matisse, sums up her artistic intention; "Color was not given to us to imitate nature. It was given to us to express our emotions." In these new paintings, the artist combines her love of nature with her expressive figures. These figures convey her artistic strengths in color, texture, and emotion. The combination of art and nature is a natural choice for her; with this show she feels she has the best of both worlds.
After retirement, each artist was able to focus on their respective interests. Cookie continued her artistic endeavors with the Musem of Fine Art Houston's Glassell School and Archway Gallery while Tom turned their garage into a woodworking shop and began building furniture. Pieces built for friends led to referrals and expanding opportunities led to learning new techniques, crafting new pieces, and making new friends.
Cookie Wells is a long time member of the Watercolor Art Society of Houston, the Southern Watercolor Society, and the Honor Society of Watercolor U.S.A. She has painted in water medium for thirty plus years and is appreciative of Tom's continued encouragement and support. Cookie Wells is honored and delighted that Tom Wells is her artistic partner for this Archway Gallery exhibition.
ABOUT ARCHWAY GALLERY Artist owned and operated since 1976. Archway Gallery, one of Houston's and the nation's oldest artist-owned and operated galleries, is located at 2305 Dunlavy and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. Since 1976, Archway Gallery has been exhibiting the work of the area's finest artists, providing a great selection of affordable, high quality art including sculpture, pottery and painting in a variety of media and styles. One of the more than 30 member artists is always on site, providing visitors a unique experience to meet the artists who created the work, offering a personal insight into the process. Each month features a special exhibition highlighting member artist(s). The public is invited to the monthly opening receptions that celebrate the new installations and work, usually held the first Saturday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. In addition to monthly exhibitions, Archway also hosts a variety of demonstrations and monthly readings for local writers and authors, as well as a "Tea and Tour" program, providing visitors with a free artist-led tour of the current exhibition, followed by tea and refreshments. With 30 artist-members, Archway Gallery is THE destination in the Houston area for affordable art directly from the artist. For more information, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713.522.2409. Like Archway Gallery on Facebook.
