"Above and Below" is the title of the exhibit in TCAN gallery from January 2 through 30, featuring two artists, Marcy Kagan and Stephanie Maria Mesner. The title refers to the two realms of their visions-the airy spaces above, and the earth and water below-and the figurative images that fly or float or inhabit these expressionistic, atmospheric realms.

Marcy's subjects are birds-their language and movement, and the silent, airy atmosphere of darkness to light which they inhabit. Using many layers of oil washes combined with graphite drawings, Marcy achieves a depth and richness as if the birds are emerging into the light. In her paper pieces, Marcy creates a look of layered antiquity, with the graphite birds emerging through the textures of gouache, glue, paper, and torn bits of stamps. For Marcy, the creative process is an uncovering of what already exists, starting with graphite and letting the images emerge and be seen. She describes her artistic experience as "very spiritual….many times the images feel like they are creating themselves."

While there are identifiable objects in Stephanie's paintings, such as chairs, people, dogs, houses, trees, and hedge clippers; these objects are out of context, floating in dreamlike, emotional landscapes. To achieve this combination of expressionistic and figurative elements, Stephanie, has drawn on her experience in commercial mural painting and faux finishing through Arteriors, a company owned by her and her husband, Amiel, which has translated into applying paint in fluid, experimental ways. Sometimes paint is poured, dragged, sponged, scraped, dribbled, washed, and printed onto masonite. Color is "the most exciting aspect of painting" for her, "an important language within the picture.".

Everyone is welcome at a reception for the artists on Sunday, January 7, 2001, from 1 to 3 PM in the TCAN gallery at 31 Main Street, Natick. Refreshments will be served. Directions to TCAN and gallery hours and performance information are available by calling 508-647-0097, or at www.natickarts.org. The art is in the same venue as the performances, and can also be enjoyed while attending these Tuesday through Sunday evening events. Press Contact: Cheryl Litster TCAN 508-647-0097 Home 781-237-6807 Email: cheryl@vpr.mit.edu