WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 12, 2016 — West Liberty University’s Nutting Gallery presents its next exhibition, Sako-Lesako this week with an opening reception from 5:30 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17.
The two featured artists, Robert Sako and David Lesako, both work in pastels and both are retired art educators, according to assistant professor of art Robert Villamagna, who also is the director of the Nutting Gallery.
“Please join us and enjoy the work of two fine artists. Robert Sako also is a WLU alumnus and the opening will offer the chance to meet both artists,” he said.
Sako, who is from St. Clairsville, Ohio, explained his work in the exhibition by stating:
“For the past several summers I have traveled to Europe to explore plein-air painting. I have used a variety of mediums on these trips and have enjoyed working with all of them, but I decided that I needed something better suited for both traveling and working outside than what I had been using. For that reason, I chose pastels. My only experience with the media was with the student grade variety and I did not find working with them very interesting or especially enjoyable. After purchasing and using some better quality materials for my travels I immediately fell in love with them. I like for a number of reasons but especially for their expressive qualities. I have been working with them almost exclusively for the past seven or eight years now and am still discovering new and exciting things about them. They have allowed me to express myself with color, value and texture in, what is for me, fresh and original ways, some of which I hope you will find evident in this exhibition.”
Visit his website, rasako.artspan.com for more information.
Lesako works mostly in pastels and oils, with some occasional printmaking, according to his website, davidlesakoart.com. Many of his landscapes are influenced by the wild beauty that surrounds him at his home in New Freeport, a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania, and many of his subjects are within walking or hiking distance of his home. He prefers bright late afternoon or early evening light and enjoys documenting the seasonal changes.
Lesako lists the French Impressionists and the German Expressionists among his favorite painters.
“I see my landscapes as documents: noting seasons, the color of the light, the time of day, and the weather conditions. The landscape will change over time, whether with coal or gas development, logging, or through a natural change,” said Lesako.
Located in Hall of Fine Arts, the Nutting Gallery is dedicated to educating, enriching and engaging students and the public through art exhibitions of the highest quality and to promoting the visual arts within the WLU community. It is part of the College of Arts and Communication.
The Nutting Gallery fulfills this educational mission through eight exhibitions during the academic year. This exhibition schedule includes five exhibitions by visiting artists, two Senior Exhibitions, and the Annual Art Faculty Exhibition.
For more information, please contact Villamagna at rvillama@westliberty.edu or call 304-336-8370.