Wood, Ancient Wisdom, and Women in Leisure

by Bob Bahr, PV Arts Council member

The trio of artists now showing at the R. G. Endres Gallery, in the Prairie Village Municipal Offices, stimulate the mind in very different ways. It's highly unlikely that a visitor could see this show, on view until May 4, and not be pulled in by at least one of the approaches presented.

Bryce Holt believes that artists are storytellers, and the majority of the pieces by him on display are inspired by books in the Old Testament. His straightforward, graphic approach leaves the viewer with the not-so-simple task of connecting the images with some knowledge of the scriptures. The sheer size of his acrylic paintings fills the eye with bold statements.
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From left: "Mama I'm Coming Home," by Bryce Holt, acrylic, 48 x 36 in.;
"Dice Game," by Bryce Holt, acrylic, 48 x 36 in.

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David Coss makes three-dimensional pieces that utilize laser-cut wood to create intricate shapes of light and shadow. Some of the pieces feature wood stain or acrylic paint, but all feel like Steampunk machines from an era before metal contraptions. He speaks of blending old and new, technology and woodworking, but the balance between organic shapes and streamlined precision offers even more to ponder. What will you see in his work?

"Hoot," by David Coss, wood and stain, 28 x 52 in.

Carol Kiefer Johnson brings an obvious knowledge of art history to her acrylic paintings, with passages of thin paint application contrasting with rich and colorful patterns in cloth, wallpaper, or other pictorial elements. Klimt-like women lounge with both common and uncommon pets, with a sense of abundance creating a feeling of calm and comfortable luxury

"Open Window," by Carol Kiefer Johnson, acrylic, 36 x 36 in

Remember--it's easy to visit the exhibition. It's a mere stroll through the municipal building on Mission Road. The current show featuring these three artists will be on view at the R. G. Endres until May 5, but a choice selection of pieces from the three artists is on view and will stay on view at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse until July 6.
 
Bob Bahr is a member of the Prairie Village Arts Council. He has written about visual art for several national magazines. He lives with his family in Prairie Village and paints a variety of subjects. He wishes there were a NYC-style bodega in the Shops.

"Hexagon," by David Coss, wood and acrylic, 24 x 14 in.

From left: "Learning the Dance," by Carol Kiefer Johnson; "Stamina," by Bryce Holt