Anthem Gallery's Fall Group Show at Tupelo Grill

Art Nite - NYC

By Jeff Green

New York – Artists Steve Penley, Laura Loving and Marcie Allen Cardwell will exhibit new works at Anthem Gallery’s fall group show hosted at Tupelo Grill, October 3rd – December 31st. Art Nite, the opening reception, will take place on Tuesday, October 3rd, from 6-9 p.m. Steve Penley and Laura Loving will both exhibit paintings in their signature styles. Marcie Allen Cardwell will show her latest series of photographs. DJ sensation FISCHERSPOONER will provide the music for the reception.

Anthem Gallery’s featured artist, Steve Penley, studied art at the University of Georgia and later at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Best known for his paintings of historical icons, Penley has become one of America’s most popular artists emerging from the South. Penley’s development as an artist has culminated with a unique style of bold color, strong brush strokes and vivid imagery. Although his subject matter is always familiar, Penley’s unique ability lies in his interpretation, creating a new impact for the viewer. “There is no question that many icons of our culture are less than perfect. However, there are plenty of other outlets in art and culture to expose their real or imagined weaknesses. I would rather search for the ideal in these subjects and if possible give them a new dignity,” Penley says.

As society embraces a triumphant return to realism and figurative artwork, corporate and private collectors have sought out Penley’s work across the country. Collectors include Coca-Cola, King and Spalding, Morgan Keegan, Houston’s Corporation, Computer Associates, Robert Mondavi, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Emerging artist Laura Loving received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia. Painting with enamel on canvas, Loving has developed a distinctive style consisting of bold lines, dramatic surface patterns and pure color that result in vibrant paintings with a certain poetic energy. “My paintings are a reinvention of reality rather than purely an exact imitation. I exaggerate color and shape to create art that is humorous, alive and uplifting. Without question, I believe making a connection with someone through a painting is the best part of being an artist,” Loving says.

Loving has exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the United States and abroad. In New York, she has shown at Lincoln Center’s Cork Gallery, Pratt Institute, Strut Gallery and Anthem Gallery. In 2005, she was hired to create the artwork for the Fall Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center. In Europe, she has shown with the Wonderwall Gallery in Cirencester, England, and Chaleurs du Sud in Nice, France. In Atlanta, Loving was commissioned to create an outdoor mural in Centennial Olympic Park and the official serigraph for the 1998 Music Midtown Festival. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Fla., has acquired several of her paintings for their permanent collection.

Art Nite is artist Marcie Allen Cardwell’s New York debut. Marcie studied photography at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn.. Best known for her portraits of children, Cardwell is most interested in capturing the every day on film. Cardwell’s series for Art Nite was created on the artist’s recent trip to St. Lucia. “I hope my photographs cause the viewer to recollect an emotion or thought they had previously discounted and perhaps take more time to enjoy the dynamic world around them,” Cardwell says. Cardwell has shown in several venues in Nashville, Tenn., including City Hall and Fido.

In addition to Cardwell’s photography career, she is also a successful music industry veteran. MAC Presents is Cardwell’s Nashville based company that specializing in college booking, tour sponsorships and talent buying for music festivals and corporate events. Cardwell’s shows have included the 18-city Virgin College Mega Tour (featuring Michelle Branch and Gavan DeGraw), New Orlean’s Vodoo Music Festival, Nashville’s Dancin’ in the District, Atlanta’s On the Bricks, Washington’s DC Sessions and Memphis Jam.

For more information about this event, please visit our web site www.ArtNite.com or call 347 249 4525.