RECENT PAINTINGS
An exhibition of new paintings by Mary K. Connelly, Doretta M. Miller, and Stefan Pokorny

Mary Connelly’s richly colored figurative interiors, oil on panel and linen, explore the relationship between perception and memory. Painting for Connelly is a process of continual self-reflection, but one that transcends "self" through a responsive and empathetic relationship to the visual world. Connelly uses interior space to articulate a personal narrative filled with attachment; to see is to possess, to record, to defend against loss.

Connelly was raised in Belleville, NJ. She earned her BFA in painting in St. Louis at Washington University and received an MFA in painting at Indiana University in Bloomington. The artist is currently an Assistant Professor of Painting at the University of Colorado at Denver. Prior to her move to Denver, Mary taught at Grand Valley State University. Her work was awarded "Curator’s Choice Award" in 2001 and "GVSU Purchase Award" in 2002 at the Muskegon Museum of Art, 73rd and 74th Regional in Muskegon Michigan. Mary’s paintings are now included in the permanent collection at Grand Valley State University, and exhibited at the residence of Mark Murray, President of GVSU. Her paintings were recently featured in a two-person show in Denver, Colorado at Ironton Studios & Gallery. [more on Mary Connelly]

Doretta Miller portrays in this series of gouache paintings on paper, the life of common people on the streets and in the markets in China and illustrates the impact of cultural and economic changes on everyday life. This body of work was inspired by Miller’s teaching and travel in the People's Republic of China. Themes related to the major subject are elaborated in detailed borders that relate the impact of Western ideas or Chinese traditions to the activities of the subjects.

Miller attended Ripon College, and received her Doctorate of Education and Master's of Fine Arts degrees from Northern Illinois University. Prior to joining the faculty at Skidmore College in 1982, she taught art and oversaw a gifted and talented program in a Chicago suburban high school. In 1996, Miller was Visiting Professor of Oil Painting at Qufu Teachers University, China. She is Faculty Curator at the Skidmore College Tang Teaching Museum for an upcoming exhibition entitled, "Brushing the Present: Contemporary Academy Painting from China", opening October 2003. An active member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Miller serves on national accreditation teams. Her work is represented at First Street Gallery, New York City, and was the subject of a recent article in Watercolor Magazine [more on Doretta Miller]

Stefan Pokorny graciously declines to add any comments associated with this current body of work. It is his sincere hope that the work should speak for itself. His resume is available for viewing at First Street Gallery.[more on Stefan Pokorny]