Join us in the Symphony in the Flint Hills Art Gallery (331 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, KS) for an open house – featuring art, music and refreshments – to celebrate the opening of Valerie Simonelli’s exhibit on Saturday, July 28 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Valerie Simonelli was born and raised in Rhode Island. Directly out of high school Simonelli joined the United States Air Force. After completing her four-year commitment she separated from the service and began her college education. She graduated Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture. Though she has been away from the “Ocean State” for over fourteen years, much of her work implies her ongoing relationship with the sea. Recently, Simonelli has found it not only necessary to suggest water, but to actually employ water as an essential medium for the drawings.
Artist statement: My technique for creating two-dimensional work is greatly influenced by my sculpture background. I approach the drawings intuitively. There is constant pushing and pulling, adding and subtracting. I am just as physical while I draw as while I sculpt. Water-soluble graphite and liberal amounts of water allow me to add and subtract freely. The nonporous, polypropylene surface ensures that nothing is permanent.