Ann Korologos Gallery welcomes Spring with Western Appreciations, an exhibition showcasing new Spring arrivals featuring sculptor, Amy Laugesen and painter, Sean Wallis, amongst others. On view at Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt March 21 through April 11, 2019.

“I was introduced to Amy Laugesen and Sean Wallis first as a collector, and then grew to know them through the gallery,” shares gallery owner, Ann Korologos. “Both artists have a deep appreciation for the past and a love for the West. Amy is captivated by the symbolism of horses. Her creations combine centuries-oldEastern clay sculpting techniques and forms with today’s state-of-the-art processes.  The result: equine sculptures which appear to be bothrelics and minimalist abstractions.  Sean is enamored by the windows into the past: old missions, formal botanical gardens, dilapidated barnswhich spring to life on his thickly-painted, boldly-colored canvases. We are pleased to share this collection of new works from both artists as a celebration of Spring.”

Amy Laugesen is a Colorado-based sculptor known for her modern-day equine “relics” that span from large-scale commissioned public artworks to small mixed-media treasures. Mainly working with ceramics, her mastery of materials includes a variety of glazing techniques which allows her to achieve unique color ineach sculpture. Her ceramics are paired with vintage metals, porcelain casters, and metal, wood, or stone bases. “Within the heart of each work I explore the essence, movement and the individual story of my subject into sculptural form.  The horse –familiar in form, nature, and spirit–- continues to offer powerful inspiration,” reflects Laugesen. “As Western metaphor, the horse symbolizes power, grace, nobility, strength, endurance and freedom which I integrate into classical yet contemporary forms.”

Sean Wallis is a painter based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wallis hailsfrom an artistic family—his father is renowned impressionist painter Kent R. Wallis, with whom he shared a master-apprentice relationship, painting together every week for 5 years. Of working with his father, Sean reflects, “Artists become more academic—you follow the fundamental rules. It’s a scholarly thing now. Having such a master as a mentor helped shape me into a traditional painter in a contemporary world.” As an Impressionist, Sean pays close attention to the relationship of light and color, capturing its fleeting moments with the texture of oil paint and a broad, colorful palette. His work with light, hue, and atmosphere manifest through a skillful combination of colors that vibrates and excites theeye.

Western Appreciations featuring Amy Laugesen and Sean Wallis will remain on view through April 11, 2019. For more information, please visit Ann Korologos Gallery at 211 Midland Avenue in Basalt, call (970) 927-9668 or email art@korologosgallery.com.