LAYERS OF OURSELVES

RASHELLE ROOS & JOE AGATI

Through sculpting the body and painting the spirit, two artists build layered figures exploring the material and ethereal.

Friday, July 26, 5-8pm: Reception
Sunday, July 28, 2pm: Artist Talk
exhibit will remain up through August 23

Marshall J Gardner Center for the Arts
540 S Lake St. Gary IN 46403
219-885-9114
Tues-Sat 11am-2pm, Sundays 2-4pm

Rashelle Roos reveals the figure through layers of painted patterns in search of what’s beyond the physical form. (pictured at top: “Sukhasana” 30” x 40”, acrylic and spray paint on canvas)

LAYERS OF OURSELVES: In a marriage of mediums, this wife and husband capture moments in time, in a way that feels both reverent and celebratory. Through sculpted gestures and painted essence, both use the body to explore layered human experiences.

With a deep appreciation for form, Joe sculpts not only the body, but he adds contrasting paint, texture, and planes to highlight the beauty of shapes in three dimensions. Playing with negative space, Joe’s layers create an optical illusion of dancing planes. When one walks around the sculpture, parts appear and disappear.

Through a kaleidoscope of colors and layers, Rashelle’s paintings delve into the search for the metaphysical connection between the body and experience. From ethereal, natural patterns that evoke a sense of transcendence to intimate silhouettes that reveal personal investigation, each painting offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience. With her Art Therapy background, she uses the practice of painting to understand her life and to manifest joy and wonder.

HOW THIS EXHIBIT CAME TO BE: Ten years ago, Joe and I had an exhibit at the Gardner Center. We were blown away by the support from the Miller Beach community and our friends from the Chicago area. For us, it cemented a shared community in our wonderful beach town and the easy access to Chicago. Two years ago, when I was thinking of what I wanted to do to mark turning 50, I decided I wanted to produce an exhibit with my husband in Miller Beach again. (My 50th bday was 2 months ago, so no gifts/cards please) Just wanted to share that this is a personally meaning occasion of gratitude for my life, my people and my seasons. Thank you, MBACD and All Friends and Family, for the opportunity to celebrate life in this way! -Rashelle

BIOS

Rashelle Roos, BFA School of the Art Institute, MFA in Painting, UIUC, MA in Middle Eastern Studies, UIUC, MAC in Art Therapy, Adler School of Professional Psychology
Rashelle loved painting and drawing as a child. She continued her exploration of art around the world as an adult. She taught art at Copadam Atolyesi, in Istanbul, wrote her MA thesis on Middle Eastern art while in the UAE, and served as an art therapist in Chicago and Indiana. Roos is the recipient of many awards, including 8 fellowships, 6 artist and travel grants, and 3 international artist residencies. She has participated in over 40 exhibits. Most recently, she showed at Aqua Art Miami and the Hyde Park Art Center. Rashelle spends half her time in Palm Springs, CA, where she gets inspiration from the mountains and flowers, and the other half in Miller Beach, IN, where she’s inspired by Lake Michigan. www.rashelleroos.com, fb & insta: Rashelle_roos_fine_art

Joe Agati, BS in Engineering, MFA in Sculpture, Alfred University, NY
Joe began making sculpture in the seventies, which led to fantasy furniture. His furniture is part of the Chicago Historical Society’s permanent furniture collection. He founded a furniture company, Agati Inc., in 1981. Today, his contract furniture is used widely in universities, public libraries, courthouses and airports across the United States. Joe is a long-time resident of Miller Beach and loves spending time on the beach with his grandchildren. www.agati.com