‘Nude Awakening 2010’ more classical, less comical

Published 2:15 pm Thursday, February 18, 2010

Artist Brad Niemeyer pays tribute to the human figure in a classical way, producing larger-than-life pieces that are bold, dynamic and powerful.

Then there’s the work of illustrator Jeff Preston, whose pen and ink drawing of a woman using an octopus like an exercise band definitely puts a more whimsical touch on the human form.

These two artists and many more are represented in 35 pieces of artwork — primarily pastels, watercolors, oils, charcoals and pencil drawings — in “Nude Awakening 2010,” an exhibit that showcases the human figure opening this weekend at Lowell Art Works. This is the fourth annual “Nude Awakening.”

Lowell Art Works is known for its progressive stance on art that includes exhibits such as “Breasts of the Northwest.” This exhibit differs in that both the male and the female form are represented and there’s not such a focus on the breast, curator Nikki Wheeler said.

“The art is less comical … it’s more on the classical side,” Wheeler said — despite the octopus drawing.

The artwork was created by Lowell Art Works residents and members of the Lowell Art Works Life Drawing Group, artists of all skill levels who drop in every Tuesday to perfect figurative drawing in a casual setting where models and some art supplies are provided, Wheeler said.

The artwork in “Nude Awakening 2010” ranges in price from $15 sketches to framed pieces going for $3,000.

“We have some new people who have never shown before and that’s what Lowell Art Works is about, providing a venue for new people to show,” Wheeler said.

“Nude Awakening 2010” opens with a catered reception starting at 4 p.m. Saturday at Lowell Art Works, 5205 S. Second Ave., Everett. The exhibit is on view through March 11.

“No Boundaries: Transcendence” is an annual exhibit of art created by Northwest artists with disabilities.

Sponsored by Creative Activities and VSA Washington, the exhibit has been touring the Pacific Northwest since 1991 and includes paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, digital art, mixed media and sculpture by 22 artists.

Creative Activities and VSA Washington describe their mission as creating “a culture of inclusion where artists and patrons with disabilities have seamless access to education, opportunity, commerce and community.” VSA Washington is an affiliate of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

“No Boundaries” is on display through March 19 at the Russell Day Gallery at Everett Community College, 2000 Tower St., Everett.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.