Arts In The Barn/ Cushing Historical Society will present the exhibition “Water Works: The Art of Mary Ann Heinzen and Gwen Sylvester” Aug. 11-13 at 17 Hathorne Point Road, Cushing.

The opening reception will be held on Friday, August 5 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13,, hours will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday there will be a demonstration by Gwen Sylvester at 11 a.m.

On Sunday there will be a demonstration by Mary Ann Heinzen at 1 p.m.

All are welcome.

Both Mary Ann Heinzen and Gwen Sylvester work in water media to a dazzling effect. Together they comprise of many years of experience with their mediums and show high level of skill and knowledge of that produce beautiful results. 

“My work is based on seeing and responding to the power of nature and the quiet beauty in the world,” said Sylvester. “My artistic process is an exploration in color, pattern and texture, a lively struggle between subject, method and materials. I often paint in acrylic or water media with unconventional tools to produce a rich variety of surfaces. In one painting I might vary bold, impressionist handling of paint with delicate, thin or atmospheric layers of glazes. I love the energetic, vibrant results, when and as they appear.”

Mary Ann Heinzen paints primarily in watercolors, creates work that is loose and painterly with strong color and contrast. As an instructor, demonstrator and exhibitor, she has been exploring the possibilities of watercolor painting for many years.

“I still find this medium dynamic and challenging,” she said. “Balancing control with letting go, I try to make an emotional statement about my subject. Using a wet into wet technique allows the colors to blend in often surprising and beautiful ways, creating a dialogue between me and the paper.”

Arts In The Barn/ Cushing Historical Society is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, supporting and educating about the cultural heritage and highlighting persons of interest in the community.