An accomplished artist and some up-and-coming musicians will be showcased in a pair of free events at Elkton Station Oct. 7.
Held in conjunction with Elkton’s monthly First Fridays Celebration, the evening will feature an opening reception for an exhibit by Cecil College adjunct instructor Joshua Schaefer, “Quandary,” from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Elkton Station Gallery and a Young Artists Series recital by talented young students from the college’s lifelong learning program and the Oxford Arts Alliance at 6 p.m. in the adjacent Performing Arts Hall.
Schaefer’s “Quandary” emerges from a place of neurosis using paint to explore the interpersonal and interpersonal. Objects hold meaning and memories beyond utility, while portraits examine facets of personality and disquiet.
“Through painterly application, I render form to a recognizable level while still maintaining an air of gestural and open mark making,” said Schaefer. “My artistic lineage comes from the great Baroque masters, looking specifically to Velazquez and Rembrandt. From there, roots shoot down through Manet, Sargent and most recently Michaël Borremans.”
Schaefer earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2012 and a Master of Fine Arts in studio art from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2014. His work has been displayed in numerous exhibits at both of his alma maters as well as at The North Carolina Museum of Art, Art Center of Corpus Christi, Frameworks Gallery, Delaware County Community College, La Salle University Museum, The Papermill Community of Artists, Oxford Art Alliance, and Rodger LaPelle Galleries.
While attending PAFA, Schaefer served as a graduate assistant for classes in portrait painting and figure painting. His teaching experience also entails working as an adjunct professor at La Salle.
“Quandary” will remain on display through Oct. 26. The Elkton Station Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Schaefer will also conduct a workshop on “Creating Narrative in Portraiture” from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14, in Room 231 of the Arts and Sciences Building on Cecil’s North East campus. Participants will learn how to create portraits that tell stories by exploring body language, composition and lighting. No experience is necessary, and materials and tools will be provided. Supporting art students, the workshop costs $10 for current Cecil students and $20 for all others. To register, CecilCollegeArt@cecil.edu or call 443-907-1373 by Oct. 12. Space is limited.
Cecil College’s Art Program offers an Associate of Fine Arts degree in art and design and an Associate of Arts degree in ceramics, drawing/painting, and graphic design. The Performing Arts Program offers Associate of Arts degrees in music, music/voice and theatre performance/acting. Both programs help students prepare for transfer to four-year colleges, initial employment, or career advancement in the fine and performing arts. Check out the programs at facebook.com/CecilCollegeFineArtsProgram and facebook.com/CecilCollegePerformingArts.