A Celebration of Art,  Inspiration, and Culture

Art comes to us in many forms. The written word, a performance whether on stage, in a film, dance or song. In visual art, there are a myriad of disciplines from architecture, print making, clay throwing, wood turning and the list goes on. Many artists have a need to satisfy a creative urge, others have found it to be an enjoyable hobby, and there are those who consider art to be a labor of love. Finally, there are also those who create art as a form of therapy. I believe that April Cahill, our Guest Artist for July checks all of those boxes.

 

A Winfield resident, April tells us that she has been drawing since she was a child and that after her Grandmother saw one of her drawings, she encouraged April to pursue her passion for art. It must have worked because after her Grandmother’s encouragement April’s love of art began to blossom. As she grew, April began exploring an experimenting with a variety of techniques and mediums using oils, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media.

 

In 2018. April’s life was tragically altered when she lost her daughter to a drug overdose. After dealing with the loss of a child, April could have easily shut down and succumbed to her grief. However, April used her love for her daughter along with her love of art as therapy. Finding inspiration through music, April tells us that she will hear a song, or songs that will elicit emotions allowing her to create a vision in her mind which she then brings to life in her works. In her paintings, you can see that April’s style is somewhat ethereal, almost magical combination of movement and colors. In some of her works you see where she features a silhouette or image of a young woman. This is April’s homage and testament of love to her daughter.

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It's worth mentioning that in addition to her art, April also works as an Activities Therapist at the KDOC. A position that allows her to assist and provide others with an opportunity to heal from trauma they may have experienced in their lives. Perhaps, it was something that may have played a part in leading them to their current circumstances.  April says that, “this opportunity has been a blessing and an honor for me.”

 

Gallery 1001 feels blessed and honored to present April’s works as Guest Artist for July. Premiering Friday, July 7th, you are all cordially invited to attend our monthly First Friday Art Walk, Open House, and Reception for April Cahill. It all begins Friday from 5 to 7 PM, refreshments, meats, cheeses, and baked sweets will be available along with the standard accoutrements.

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But Wait! There's More!

GALLERY 1001 HAS A SPECIAL JULY EXHIBIT

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July 4th is America’s annual celebration of our Declaration of Dependence for British rule. In the 247 years since that letter was sent to old King George, America along with the rest of the world has undergone some rather dramatic changes. For decades now, America has been a home to refugees fortunate enough to escape the violence, and brutality they faced in their homelands.

One such group that was forced to leave their homes, families and friends are the Laotians. After the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam war, The communist Khmer Rouge set their sights on Laos, a country who had been allies to the United States during the war. Facing certain death from the Khmer Rouge for this, Laotians and Cambodians were forced to leave their countries; hiding from troops and risking their lives to make it to safety.

I was only recently made aware of the Lao community that reside in Winfield, and I am thrilled to have hand crafted art, textiles, wood carvings and dolls on exhibition now at Gallery 1001. A special thanks to Glenda Schmidt for putting this exhibit together for us.

Save the date for more at the 1001

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Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, 10 AM to 1 PM – Saturday Coffee with the Arts

Come and join us in a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee (or tea, if you prefer)

From the Spice Merchant, In Wichita, and baked treats from Terry and Melody’s Daylight Donuts!

 

Friday, August 4th, 2023, 4 to 7 PM – A Celebration of People

I can not think of another artist whose art celebrates people more than Ryan Howerton. His style brings out the individual personalities of each subject in his works.

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Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, 10 AM to 1 PM – Saturday Coffee with the Arts

Come and join us in a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee (or tea, if you prefer)

from the Spice Merchant, In Wichita, and baked treats from Terry and Melody’s Daylight Donuts!

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It doesn’t stop there! We still have stunning art from Ronnie Pacha, Daniel Eberhart, and so much more!