Byas: Today's firsts and more in the midstate
Today is the first Friday of November! It's been several months since my column fell on this special day of the month, so I'm excited to share some events that you're sure to enjoy on this First Friday, and beyond.
"FACE TO FACE"
A new exhibition called "Face to Face," featuring the paintings and mixed media work of Ryan and Elena Neal, opens tonight at the 567 Center for Renewal.
Popular at Macon's galleries, Ryan's paintings are fresh, contemporary, compelling and bursting with color. Ryan is influenced by such greats as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Thornton Dial, and the artist's work was featured on the HBO series "Enlightened," starring Laura Dern.
The exhibition runs all month, but if you attend tonight's free opening reception, you'll meet the Neals, as well as have a chance to participate in a crowd-sourced painting at the gallery, which opens at 6 p.m.
"FAR AND NEAR"
This month's main exhibition at the Gallery at Macon Arts Alliance, "Far and Near," features paintings by Ginger Concepción and duck decoys by Matt DeFore. Both artists are genius at conveying the beauty of distance, and each brings a unique perspective to this showing of the here and now.
Concepción is a self-taught painter who has lived in various places around the world, including Taiwan, England and Iran. Much of her work comes from family photos and her personal travels abroad. Concepción's love of color and landscape is evident in her paintings.
DeFore merges his love of craftsmanship with his passion for hunting. The artist, who competes nationally in judged competitions during the off season, carves his decoys by hand from high density cork, maple, walnut and light weight wood. From original drawings, DeFore creates pieces of colorful, functional art that can be used by duck hunters in the field.
The Gallery opens "Far and Near" with a free reception tonight at 5 p.m.
PREMIERE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
It's not too late to purchase tickets for the best holiday party in town -- the legendary "Festival of Trees Gala," which takes place Nov. 12 at the historic Terminal Station. Its largest annual fundraiser, the Museum of Arts and Sciences always hires the best caterer in town, books an awesome musical talent, and features the annual Macon Millionaire Raffle.
If this gala is anything like past years' events, you don't want miss this evening of fine dining and dancing. Get more information and purchase tickets by calling 478-477-3232.
Contact Melanie Byas at melanie@retrowarehouse.com.
This story was originally published November 5, 2015 at 7:54 PM with the headline "Byas: Today's firsts and more in the midstate ."