Open for Interpretation: An Open Exhibit
Image taken from “Easy Rider” by ©Martin Horn
Visual artists wishing to exhibit works often have specific parameters to meet, typically set by the gallery or organization running the show, the most common being the theme, subject, or medium used. “Open exhibits” tend to loosen those stipulations, and one such show opens on Sunday, December 17th (2023) and runs through February 22nd, 2024.
Hanover’s Gallery at the Old Post Office, located in a beautiful 1913 Renaissance Revival structure, uses the atrium of this now office building as an exhibit space showcasing local artists and creatives. The space is typically open for visitors during regular office hours, with an occasional evening or Sunday, as noted on the gallery’s Facebook page.
In addition, most exhibits start with an informal reception open to the public at no charge. (The exhibits are always free to visit.) The Open Exhibition’s reception is set for Sunday, December 17th, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. (Note that the atrium space is not heated and may be chilly — dress seasonally!)
Open Exhibition, Gallery at the Old Post Office
Approximately two dozen artists are represented in the exhibit with mediums utilizing acrylics, pastels, oils, watercolors, wood, pen, mixed media, and more. Let’s take a look at just a small sample.
“Street Tacos,” ©Mary Moores
“‘Street Tacos’ captures a moment in time. Upon our arrival in Mexico, the rental car agent explained where to find the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta. As hungry and adventurous travelers, we located this street full of food vendors where we ate fabulous food and created a forever family memory.
“Painted from a reference photo, it was fun to attempt a night scene containing the universal person looking at their phone and a Volkswagen Beetle car, which are so prevalent in this area of Mexico.”
— Mary Moores
“Wind #7” and “A God #14,” ©jim mackey
“Wind #7”, the quote on the front of the piece, “God is in the Wind,” is from an autistic kid I never met, but I heard his statement from a person he said it to. I love the quote since it’s how I have often felt myself but lacked a simple verbal explanation.
“A God #14” is my personal message to the world that you do not need to follow or believe in a specific God; that your own personal vision or belief of God will work just fine. “
— jim mackey
“Windstorm,” ©Sally Becker
“My pastel painting, ‘Windstorm,’ is a composition I created using some observations of changes in the wooded area of my family farm. Much of my art is a reflection of memories and scenes of this farm in Adams County, especially the woodlands. I have noticed that the elms, ash, and some oak trees have all died from insects or diseases and are easy targets for strong winds that have become more frequent in the past decade. During walks in the woods I will almost always see downed trees or limbs – some hung up on a fence or another tree. These scenes make good compositions for my art, but at the same time make me frustrated because of the environmental loss.
“I have been painting with pastels for about 20 years. Although I have successfully exhibited my work, I can always learn new techniques with this medium. To create ‘Windstorm,’ I used Lenox paper sanded with a gesso mixed with pumice. I used 90 percent rubbing alcohol to wash over the first layer of pastel. This wash was kept for the background of the painting to help create depth. This is not my own invention, but it’s good to always be open to learn something new.”
— Sally Becker
“Blackbird,” ©Dixie Brillhart
“‘Blackbird’ was inspired by a local pair of Crows who chose our neighbor’s very tall pine tree to raise their fledglings. I had a front-row seat to their activities whenever I was in my kitchen.
“I enjoyed working on this piece. The only challenge was getting the black watercolor paint to my idea of what was the right intensity.”
— Dixie Brillhart
Look for two dozen works at the Gallery at the Old Post Office’s Open Exhibition. Follow the gallery's Facebook page for further updates.
Gallery at the Old Post Office
141 Broadway
Hanover, Pennsylvania
December 17th - February 22nd
Regular Exhibit Hours: M-F, 9:00 - 4:30
(An office in the building determines hours and may not always be accurate.)
Opening Reception
Sunday, December 17th
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Artists include:
Sally Becker
Dixie Brillhart
Hannah Chiacchierini
Jeannine Dabb
Sam Georgieff
Jamie Gerkin
Clint Guyton
Cassandra Horn
Martin Horn
jim mackey
Joe McClure
Mary Moores
Gretchen Nevin
Nicole Osborne
Margaret Ramage
Matthew Sheaffer
Cisco Soto
Linda Stinnette
Sara Swacina
Amy Tanner
Debbie Toluba
Anita Williams
Noel Wingard
Sherry Withers
Laura Zielinski
All works copyright the artist and/or Andrew T. Smith.