3 County Artists Present Work with Stories

It’s been awhile since I have attended a three-man exhibit. They’re not that common, presumably because of the logistics. Small group shows are a lot more work than single or even  dual artists shows, partly because galleries generally strive to present an unifying theme and artists who compliment one another.

Enter the three artists who are exhibiting at , the longtime antiques and Fine Art shop outside of West Chester. The owner is the brother of one of the exhibitors, Richard Chalfant, which explains one thematic thread. (Chalfant’s work is generally so impressive, particularly in size and scope, he could easily exhibit on his own.)   But add artists John Suplee and  Michael Traines, and you’ve got a stylistic diverse group.   Is there a common denominator?

 Judging from the web site announcing Saturday’s holiday reception, the artists all have one thing in common: they create compelling, story-filled art.

Suplee describes his painting “North High Canopy” not in terms of how the natural colors or light drew him to the scene, but how the location of a certain lovely group of trees is part of West Chester’s changing historical character.  Suplee’s story reveals what could be described as his genius for capturing the over-looked or under-appreciated aspects of the borough.  

Suplee explains:  “the North side entry into West Chester is extraordinary for its lack of commercial clutter.  Throughout my life it has been flanked by a double colonnade of plane trees worthy of many European capital.  By now, age and attribution have eroded the grand symmetry of their ranks almost to the breaking point.  This view (looking North from Virginia Avenue) celebrates their familiar, fragile canopy. “

Traines describes a “little treasure” he discovered near the library at Winterthur.  It is a gate that appears in the painting entitled “Through the Open Gate- Winterthur.”   Of course, we don’t need a story to appreciate the painting, but Traines’  behind-the-scenes story on the web site reminds me that I have visited the gardens countless of times, and I have never noticed the “weathered and worn wooden gate”  Traines describes.   I suppose that’s why we need artists – to call attention to the beauty of the world.

The Three Artist Exhibit Opens Tonight

• Where:  HL Chalfant, antiques & Fine Art, 1352 Paoli Pike,  West Chester, PA 19380

• Date: Saturday, December 3d

• Time: 5 to 10 pm.

Enjoy an enchanting evening with three of Chester County’s best known artists, John Suplee, Richard Chalfant and Michael Traines.

Website:  www.hlchalfant.com

Phone: 610-696-1862

• Price:: Free