Hillary Whitaker Gallery new exhibit opening Nov. 8

PONTE VEDRA BEACH – Hillary Whitaker Gallery, formerly Stellers Gallery at Ponte Vedra Beach, will exhibit the work of nationally-recognized painters Jennifer J.L. Jones and Erin Gregory during the fall season show on Friday, Nov.8 from 6 until 9 pm at 240 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. The show is open to the public and will feature an existing and new body of work by each of the artists.

Jennifer J.L. Jones has been with Whitaker’s gallery since 2004. Jones is an American artist raised in rural Virginia and on the central east coast of Florida. Jones received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois. With an exploration of beauty and energy, Jones’ mixed media paintings are a meditation on the dichotomy of the existence of nature both as corporeal reality and intangible spirituality.

 

 Employing multiple layers of abstraction and combined mediums including a refined glazing technique, Jones creates rich, organic patinas that evoke universal emotional and physical connecting points for the observer. Layers of paint create a palimpsest quality to the work, while the elegant, ever-shifting paintings combine a poetic, sensual grace with consistently bold execution.

 Jones’ long-established career is highlighted by exhibitions in select national and international galleries include a 2013 group exhibition in Paris, France and numerous solo and group exhibitions across the U.S. Her highly sought paintings can be found in many private and corporate collections worldwide such as the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Oprah Winfrey/Harpo Studios, Scana Energy, and the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. Jones currently resides in Beaufort, South Carolina.

 Erin Gregory’s focus as an artist emphasizes contrast and variety within the composition of each painting. She vividly captures the light and color of her subjects in florals, landscapes, and figures. She paints in acrylic and oil with close-up and distant bold colors, and lively layers and washes.

 Erin Fitzhugh Gregory, originally from the Mobile and Fairhope, Ala. area, has lived in her husband Tim’s hometown of Columbus, Georgia since 2002. She has been fascinated by art as far back as she can remember. As a child, art was always the highlight of the school day. Upon graduating from Auburn University with a BFA in painting in 2000, and after her first solo show in 2001, she realized painting would be her full-time career. Throughout Gregory’s career, she has had numerous one-woman shows and participates in many group exhibitions. Gregory has received numerous awards for her art and has been featured on many blogs and in a variety of magazines. Gregory is a highly sought-after artist with a vast following across the U.S.

 According to Hillary Whitaker, gallery owner, upon receiving the new body of work from these featured artists, many of the pieces will be sold in 24 hours. “Jennifer and Erin each use brushwork and color to create a beautiful harmony and fusion in their work. Our fall exhibit will be exciting and stunning,” said Whitaker.

 Additionally, a piece of art by each artist will be raffled as a fundraiser to benefit Art with a Heart in Healthcare programs and services. Art residents create individualized art sessions that meet the needs of patients, at their bedsides and in groups. The nonprofit has served tens of thousands of patients and their families in northeast Florida at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Specialty Clinic, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic. Raffle tickets will be available at the show for $25 each. More information, visit the website at https://www.artwithaheart.info. Visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/artwithaheartinhealthcare/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf.

 Hillary Whitaker Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, call 904.273.6065. Visit the Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/hillarywhitaker/ . Visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/hillarywhitakergallery/. Visit the website at https://hwhitakergallery.com/.