Two abstract artists exhibit works in Villa Park
Impromp2, the abstract paintings of contemporary emerging artists April Dippy and Andre Peraza, will be on display through Thursday, Aug. 31, in Villa Park.
The exhibit, which opens Saturday, Aug. 12, is at the Park Art Center, 9 E. Park Blvd.
An opening reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. All events are free and open to the public.
Impromp2 is a joint exhibit showcasing the abstract acrylic paintings of Peraza and Dippy, both members of Studios630, a community of local artists, writers, photographers and musicians, based primarily in the Western suburbs.
Peraza says he channels his energy and surges of creativity into artistic expression that takes many forms, including acrylic paintings, mixed media, wood, pen and ink, found objects and sculpture.
A graduate of the University of Illinois in Chicago with a bachelor's degree in art design, he is at home in the world of abstract imagery as well as abstract thinking.
Cuban-born, Peraza is also a musician, sound healing practitioner, drum circle facilitator and tarot reader.
"Most of my artwork deals with energy and the forces that move that energy," he says.
He says his works explore spirituality and metaphysics; the theme of life and death; and, most recently, focus on social observations.
Peraza has a YouTube channel dedicated to his Soul Portrait series.
Inspired by nature, as well as international travel and her time spent studying painting in Hong Kong, Dippy says she finds each piece of her abstract art goes through multiple stages of building and taking away of layers of paint and other media before molding them into unique entities.
Raised in the Chicago area, Dippy has participated in national and local exhibitions since graduating from Judson University in Elgin. She is active in the Chicago and suburban art community, as well as a design business owner, April Dippy Design.
For details on the exhibit, call (630) 501-1455 or visit parkartcenter.org.
If you go
What: Impromp2, abstract paintings by April Dippy and Andre Peraza
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 12-31; opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: Park Art Center, 9 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park
Cost: Free
Info; (630) 501-1458 or parkartcenter.org