'Maritime' exhibit at Shuptrine's Gold Leaf

photo "Easy Commute" is an oil on canvas by Lori Putnam.

IF YOU GOWhat: "Maritime."When: Opening reception 4-7 p.m. Thursday. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and until 6 p.m. on Thursday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.Where: Shuptrine's Gold Leaf Designs Gallery, 2646 Broad St.Phone: 266-4453.Website: www.shuptrines.com.

It is the season for celebrating all things nautical, so the timing of the new "Maritime" exhibit at Shuptrine's Gold Leaf Designs Gallery might seem appropriate.

Featuring pieces in various mediums by several artists, the works showcase oceans, seas, boats, beaches, harbors and nature, according to gallery manager Stephanie Valencia.

"Our call to artists to include guests from several areas provided us with a nice mix of talent," she said.

"We have been pleasantly surprised at the sincerity of talent with these submissions that show diversity from Maine to the Bahamas, Costa Rica to Tahiti and various places of our eastern seaboard. Our oceans and shorelines are our last wilderness to explore, all in colorful turquoise hues and blues. Paired with these paintings we have a wonderful selection of Chris Mosey glass sculptures."

Selected works include pieces from Helen Burton, Will Lassetter, Mark Gilliland, Luke Buck and Linda Rauch. They "show extreme differences and styles of art from memorable places around the globe, coastal views, shorelines, fishermen's wharfs, freshwater to seawater shores," according to gallery co-owner Bonny Shuptrine.

Also in the collection is a selection of 1960-80s fine oils by the late Hubert Shuptrine, father of co-owner Alan Shuptrine. The works feature contemporary oils of schooners and oceans, blue- harbor moonlit runs of Maine, South Carolina and the Bahamas.

Offering a contrasting viewpoint are drastic textures of oils from artists such as Lori Putnam, Brett Weaver and Cecelia Cox. The variety showcases the differences of each artist, with strong statements and interpretations of coastal life, according to Bonny Shuptrine.

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