"Wabi-Sabi' at Hope and Feathers Gallery in Amherst for month of May.
AMHERST -- "Wabi-Sabi," Finding Beauty in Our Imperfect World," an exhibit of paintings and drawings by Pioneer Valley artists Rachel Folsom and Barbara Johnson, will be on view during May at the Hope and Feathers Gallery, 319 Main St.
There will be a reception May 3, from 4 to 7 p.m., and the artists will give a talk on May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
According to a release, the paintings and drawing on view reflect the artists' exploration of wabi-sabi, "the Japanese aesthetic of appreciating the beauty inherent in objects that are imperfect, unfinished, or show signs of wear."
Johnson works in textures, focusing on aging buildings and areas in transition. More of her work can be viewed at www.barbarajohnson.com.
Folsom is exhibiting a series of graphite drawings of found objections, as well as still life paintings. More of her work can be view at www.rachelfolsom.com.
The artists are said to offer different perspectives, that is, "Folsom gives an intimate view, while Johnson looks outward to the world beyond the studio," according to the release.
Johnson has exhibited nationally and internationally and is currently represented by several galleries in Western Massachusetts and Renjeau Gallery in Boston. She has had numerous one-person shows, including at the Springfield Museums. She has taught at a number of institutions, including at Smith College,in Northampton, and the University of Massachusetts.
Rachel Folsom graduated from Pennsylvania's Swarthmore College with a degree in art history, and studied painting in Florence, Italy. Folsom has exhibited widely around the Northeast - at the Springfield Museums, the Brattleboro Art Museum,and the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, among others.
The gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday.
