Dual exhibition of paintings, sculpture opens Friday

MEDINA, NY -- A series of paintings inspired by a 30-year-old album by Joni Mitchell is featured in a dual exhibition opening Friday at Shawn's Gate Art Gallery & Studio, 409 Main St.

The show, on view through Jan. 14, 2010, features paintings by Mark Weld of Middleport and metal sculpture by Emil Smith of Medina. An artist's reception is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Weld's "Mingus Called" series of paintings is based on Mitchell's 1979 album, "Mingus." Weld says he was inspired by the album, but wasn't sure why.

"I'm a big music fan, Joni Mitchell fan, and jazz fan," Weld says.

The album -- Mitchel's 10th studio recording -- developed after jazz composer Charles Mingus contacted Mitchell and asked her to put lyrics to his music.

Normally, Mingus shunned lyrics in his work, but Weld thinks he wanted Mitchell to add lyrics because "Mingus was sick. He had Lou Gehrig's disease."

The album would be Mingus' last musical project.

The album is quite experimental, featuring minimalist jazz, overplucked, buzzing acoustic guitars, and even wolves howling through ""The Wolf That Lives In Lindsey."

Weld's paintings are a combination of enamel paints and brilliant watercolors.

Also on view are Smith's "Primitive Rustys."

Smith is known for the three crosses that stand on the hill on Route 63, south of Medina. Smith says the crosses represent three different things. One is the Celtic Cross, one is the Ankh, and one is the Christian Cross.

"I had a break in welding classes, and I wanted to keep my skills up," Smith says of what led her to build the crosses.

Smith's work has been on display in 2008 in Rochester and also in the 2009 Garden Walk in Buffalo. Along with his large sculptures he offers some small pieces as well.

Gallery hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and by appointment Sundays through Tuesdays.

For more information, contact the Gallery at (585) 733-2153.