Water Street Studios to host opening receptions May 11

On Friday, May 11, Water Street Studios in Batavia will host opening receptions for two exhibits: "A Journey of New Beginnings" by Kerri Ann Reavis and "Seeing Through Masks" by Gordon Parker.

Dempsey Family Gallery will feature the work of Kerri Ann Reavis in a solo show titled "A Journey of New Beginnings."

The Batavia artist will display a wide range of her primarily abstract paintings. She writes, "Journey with me for the last five years of my life in Expressionism. I never knew I would make art as a career until the age of 42.

"It was then that I found my true calling, as it brought forth changes inside of me. My life's desire to express myself came easily through my work, which has created many new beginnings and discoveries along the way."

Gordon Parker's exhibition, "Seeing Through Masks," will be displayed in the second floor gallery. His artwork focuses on the figurative complexity of women. The Crystal Lake artist writes, "I break these complexities into simple, yet dramatic, lines and colors. The mood is always calm, confident, and full of subliminal feelings, which reproduces the essence and beauty of women. While I use a variety of materials and processes in each project, my methodology is consistent. The subject matter of each body of work determines the material and ultimate form of the work."

The opening receptions will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Water Street, 160 S. Water St. in Batavia. In addition to viewing the work and meeting the artists who created it, there also will be a small selection of appetizers by Gaetano's Batavia, a bar featuring beer from Solemn Oath Brewery and wine.

All proceeds from bar sales go to support arts programming at Water Street Studios. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

All exhibits continue until Sunday, June 3. The shows in both galleries will be on view during regular public gallery hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday.

Visit www.waterstreetstudios.org.