“Serendipity and Serenity” Exhibition featuring artists Dawn Whitelaw and Amy R. Peterson

We are pleased to announce, Serendipity and Serenity, featuring the art of Dawn Whitelaw and Amy R. Peterson in association with the Beverly McNeil Gallery of Birmingham, Alabama.

“Serendipity and Serenity” are both themes that are at the heart of Amy R. Peterson’s latest paintings which depict places, moments, and faces of family life. These are among the most personal pieces of the artist’s oeuvre. Whether a child, a pet, or a glimpse of home, they are encounters of peace and joy amidst the challenges of family life. The calm amidst the chaos. Reminders to slow down and be present, or else miss all the magic! On the surface, it’s everyday life; but when looked at with love, the everyday becomes transcendent. No body of work stands entirely alone because an artist’s work evolves over time. A few older pieces are included in this collection as they hint at the current evolution of the artist’s work.

Dawn Whitelaw often paints in response to something unexpected that catches her eye. She is sensitive to the moment when the light, atmosphere or viewpoint displays the commonplace in an uncommon way. These moments of Serendipity could be as simple as yard flowers on the studio kitchen table, or an un attractive block building all aglow from the summer sun and surrounded by volunteer wildflowers. As for Serenity, she often finds it at the end of the day as the sun goes down with the promise of a new day coming.

An artists’ reception with Live Painting Demo will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. During the reception, Dawn and Amy will simultaneously conduct informal demonstration paintings. Guests are welcome to observe their painting process and ask questions.

Art pieces from this exhibit can be purchased directly through The Beverly McNeil Gallery website. Interested buyers may shop online or call the gallery at 205-328-1761.  

Serendipity and Serenity will close on Sunday, November 2. ACA has special extended hours on Sun., Nov. 2 for the Dia de los Muertos Community Celebration in downtown Decatur. ACA will be open 12:00pm until 9:00pm for the community event.

The show and the reception with live painting demo are free and open to the public.

The Alabama Center for the Arts normal business hours are:  Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and on Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.