Compelling emotions and intense humanity electrify the artwork of Stella Perlov and Mary Haigh, whose exhibit, "Jesters and Lovers," runs from March 1 through 27, in the TCAN gallery.

Stella's series of pencil drawings of jesters are incisive character studies, revealing contrasting facets of lighthearted clowns and menacing villains. Other works by Stella include two pastels, one ink, and mainly pencil drawings, all gestures, jesters, and jests, depicting the lighter side of life. For Stella, "imagination dominates the artist….it fills pieces of paper or canvas with shapes and forms that have their own characters, their own laws, their own destinies."

Mary's art depicts the darker, more intense, emotional side of life. "I use primary colors to match the firey story," she explains. Her watercolors and drawings illustrate Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. The exhibit contains thrilling selections from her series of 132 pictures, including the melting embrace of Heathcliff and Cathy, and the ensuing violence and revenge set in the isolation and bleakness of the Yorkshire moors.

Everyone is welcome at a reception for the artists on Sunday, March 4, from 1 to 3 PM in the TCAN gallery at 31 Main Street, Natick. Refreshments will be served. Directions to TCAN, 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 events.