Holmstad Town Center Gallery to feature exhibit by Yellow House Artists

The Holmstad Town Center Gallery will feature an exhibit by Yellow House Artists titled "Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel" beginning May 8 through July 5.

The exhibit features more than 40 oil pastel paintings created by 16 Yellow House Artists members.

The public is invited to attend an artists' reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the Town Center Gallery at The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia.

A relatively new painting medium, oil pastels were developed in the 1940s at the request of Pablo Picasso, who wanted a medium with the qualities of oil but with an ease of application and portability. Oil pastels are pure pigment suspended in inert mineral oil and formed into sticks. The color is applied directly to the painting surface using a variety of techniques. Members of the Yellow House Artists use unique methods, taking advantage of the special qualities of the medium.

As part of the ongoing exhibit, The Holmstad will host the Yellow House Artists' presentation, "The Artistry of Oil Pastels" from 1-2:15 p.m. June 12. The free presentation will highlight the oil pastel medium and provide examples of oil pastel techniques.

A member of Yellow House Artists will take guests on a gallery walk and share details about the featured artwork. Call (877) 226-7310 to reserve a spot.

The artist's reception, with music and refreshments, is free. The gallery is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends by appointment. For more information, visit www.TheHolmstad.org or call (877) 226-7310.