Sunflowers and Fireflies at the Dutot

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artist’s Reception on Friday July 27th for their exhibition titled, “Sunflower Days and Firefly Nights” featuring the work of Tricia Lowrey-Lippert. The reception was scheduled to begin at 7pm and I arrived at the gallery just as the clock located in the tower of the nearby Presbyterian Church of the Mountain began chiming the hour. However, as I entered the gallery, I discovered it was already teaming with life as art lovers filled the rooms chatting about the work and enjoying (what I soon discovered for myself) the delicious array of culinary treats prepared for all who visited the gallery that evening. Wow.

The collection of oil paintings created by Tricia Lowrey-Lippert is (as in her own words) a “Tribute to Summer” filled with images of gardens, animals, and soft enticing landscapes which the artist shared with me were composed during some “En plein air” sessions she partook of. At first I was perplexed in regards to what she was referring to until I realized I have seen the term in writing numerous times but had never heard it pronounced. What a wonderful discovery it was and I would recommend anyone who is curious how the term is pronounced to ask an artist to tell you how.

En plein air is a French phrase meaning “in the open air” which is merely composing landscapes and other outdoor scenes while standing or sitting outside. It’s also called “peinture sur le motif” which means painting on the ground and I have no idea how it’s pronounced. Although the practice of painting outside has been around forever, working in natural light became exceptionally fashionable around 1870 with the French Impressionism movement and was popularized by artists such as Monet and Renior. The practice remains a popular one as numerous artists still partake of En plein air as evident in Ms. Lowrey-Lippert’s exhibition.

Ms. Lowrey-Lippert epitomizes the En plein air and other artistic approaches she employs in her works. The images she depicts encourages their viewers to explore their memories of Summers they had enjoyed in the past and forget how hot they were as I’m sure in a few months many who have lived through the oppressive waves of heat prevalent in the North East Region of PA during 2012 will forget it as they focus their memories on the joyous time the season afforded them. The colors of the work is beautiful and beautifully done as are the images who embrace them.

The Reception was enhance by music performed by Scott Pensack on guitar which added to the gentle atmosphere. The notes he extracted from his instrument flowed through the room like a cool summer breeze touching each conversation and its participants with its melodies. Mr. Pensack teaches guitar and is often available to perform in numerous venues and for a variety of occasions. You can learn more about Mr. Pensack by visiting his Facebook Profile at www.facebook.com/scott.pensack.

As eluded to earlier, the fantastic array foods provided by Ms. Lowrey-Lippert’s husband, Lonnie Lippert, of The Ship Inn Restaurant and Brewery located in Milford, NJ was great. Many commented on the variety of food offered and it was indeed impressive. You can learn more about the establishment by exploring its Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ship-Inn-Restaurant-and-Brewery/22784849811.

The “Sunflower Days and Firefly Nights” Exhibition continues until August 12th. The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery’s next exhibition will feature the work of Sherwood and Laurie Samet beginning with an Artist’s Reception on Friday August 17th and will continue to be displayed until September 2nd. You’ll be able to see more photographs taken during the “Sunflower Days and Firefly Nights” Artist’s Reception featuring the work of Tricia Lowrey-Lippert in The Dutot 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150992722130421.481199.636000420&type=1.

Tricia Lowery Lippert has lived in the Poconos with her husband and their multitude of animals since 1987. She was originally a native of the Connecticut shore where she has studied art in many places from the mountains of Canada to the villages of the Provence region of France. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Oil Painting from Marlboro College in Vermont in 1981. You can learn more about Tricia Lowery Lippert and her work by Exploring his Website at www.tricialippert.com/home.

The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery originated as a brick one room school house built c. 1850 by Antoine Dutot who founded the town of Dutotsville before it was renamed to Delaware Water Gap, PA. In addition to the exhibitions presented at the gallery, the museum offers tours and educational opportunities for those who would like to learn more about the area. Please Explore The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery Website at www.dutotmuseum.com for more information.