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Autumn exhibit at 321 Gallery brings travel to life

What does a watercolor painted in Kealakea, Hawaii, of palm trees, huts and an ocean have in common with a photograph of the Catskills depicting a haunting, misty lake and rocks? These two pieces of art are part of the current “Autumn 2016” exhibit at 321 Gallery in Hollidaysburg.

321 Gallery, which opened more than three and a half years ago, prides itself in promoting local art. Gallitzin artist Mary F. Lessard’s watercolor paintings and Hollidaysburg artist Penelope J. Wilson’s prints, paintings and ceramics are part of the featured exhibit at the gallery through Dec. 31.

The women were excited when they were asked for their work to be featured at 321 by one of the gallery’s owners, Chabela Grab.

“I told her I’d love to show my work at 321. I’m impressed with how the exhibit turned out; she did such a beautiful job arranging and hanging my artwork by countries,” Lessard said.

Lessard’s work at the gallery includes scenes from the more than 30 countries she has visited with her husband of 57 years, Lucien. The pair travel around the world together, and Lessard sets up her watercolor materials wherever she goes to paint the beautiful scenes she sees.

“Most of my paintings are done en plein air. At times, I start them on site and finish them at home. A few are painted at my studio, using photographs from our trips,” Lessard said.

Her paintings are a collection of stunning international places she has visited. Some of her works include scenes in Ireland, Venice, Australia and New Zealand.

She’s also painted St. Peters­burg in Russia, mountains in Austria and a dragon floating on a lake in Beijing. She’s particularly proud of that piece, which is exhibited at 321.

“It’s a fierce dragon head, very colorful and royal looking,” she said.

Lessard’s work also includes watercolors from her domestic travels to places that include California, Hawaii, Las Vegas and New England.

“I absolutely love painting watercolors and having the ability to share through my art what my eyes have seen and the places that I have visited,” said Lessard, who didn’t begin painting until she was 53.

“I took watercolor lessons and one day, the teacher demonstrated seasonal skies. Something clicked, and I got it. I love watercolors and have been working at it ever since,” Lessard said.

Wilson is also exhibiting watercolors, as well as photographs, pencil drawings and ceramics, Grab said.

Her “Misty Lake at the Catskills” photograph on canvas depicts the overcast New York lake flanked by pine trees.

Wilson’s work is environmentally conscious, and she often works with recycled materials. Her salvaging is showcased at the gallery in her “Memories of the Seaside” glass-and-tile piece that incorporates ocean shells from one of her trips.

Wilson has received accolades in national and local shows. She works as a commissioned artist, and her work sells in studios and gift shops in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York, and to private individuals.

Grab is proud of the autumn exhibit and the opportunity to showcase the masterpieces from two talented, unique, local artists.

“It is wonderful work from two very creative people who create great art,” said Grab.


If you go

What: Autumn 2016 exhibit, featuring the work of Mary F. Lessard and Penelope J. Wilson

When: Now through Dec. 31. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 321 Gallery, 321 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg

Admission: Free

Tickets and more information: www.321gallery.net and 317-5045

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