Beauchamp’s Presents Three Points of View (Take Two)

There’s nothing like late spring in Kansas. New wheat turns the fields vivid green, wild flowers dot the Flint Hills, and children start counting the days ‘til summer vacation. And of course there are the thunderstorms. On any given afternoon, they might roll in off the prairie bringing with them buckets of rain, breath taking lightning and sometimes even hail or twisters.

However, as much as the folks at Beauchamp’s Gallery love a good gully washer, the storms do have a way of putting a damper on an artist’s reception. On Friday, May 15th that’s exactly what happened. Though a hundred or more brave souls did venture out that night to meet artists Mike Henry, Steve Denny and Colleen Gregoire, at least as many more chose not to venture away from the safety of their basements. And so…. Beauchamp’s will host a “re-reception” for all three artists in conjunction with First Friday Art Walk on June 5th.

The show Three Points of View features artworks by Henry, Denny and Gregoire, three veteran artists who have been “visually connecting” with Kansas art patrons for over 25 years. With his new collection of drawings, Mike Henry seems most interested in understanding the light and space that surround and define the world in which he lives and works. Mike’s drawings are especially compelling when depicting unusually strong light, which adds an element of drama to his work. Steve Denny contributes a group of watercolor paintings to the show. His subject matter often deals with the intersection of human works and nature; especially animals. Like Denny, Colleen Gregoire’s oil paintings sometimes depict a similar intersection. For this exhibit, however, Gregoire focuses most on the light, color and beauty of the natural world; notably the Kansas landscape. All three artists have a straightforward way of communicating their vision. Their work holds no hidden meaning or underlying psychological element. Either you “get it” or you don’t. And with the artwork of Mike Henry, Steve Denny and Colleen Gregoire, Kansans definitely “get it”.

All of the artists will be on hand for the First Friday reception at Beauchamp’s Gallery from 6-8 PM. The public is invited. Their artworks will be on display through the month of June.
Beauchamp’s is Topeka’s premier provider of original fine art, classic custom framing, art restoration/repair, and consulting. Located at 3113 SW Huntoon in the Westboro Mart, Beauchamp’s has been a mainstay of the Topeka arts community for 40 years.