Openings exhibit at Gallery One to run through June 1

The Openings exhibit will run through Tuesday, June 1, at Gallery One in Ocean View.

With winter finally releasing its grip, allowing an opening for spring and summer, the country is slowly but surely reopening. Doors and windows, flower buds and hearts are opening to new possibilities.

An opening connotes a favorable combination of circumstances, time and place. This idea is illustrated perfectly in artist Joyce Condry’s painting, “Empty Nest.” Last spring she was in the perfect place at the perfect time to observe the annual story of a new robin family. She watched them build the nest depicted in the painting, and saw them tend their eggs for the month until the grand opening of the brilliant blue shells.

In Mary Bode Byrd’s abstract acrylic painting, “Fisherman,” viewers experience the opening salvo of dawn breaking in riotous color as the fisherman backs his craft into the sea at the most opportune time of day.

Lesley McCaskill’s acrylic painting, “Flower Market,” illustrates how the best time to visit the lovely open-air markets in Europe for the best selection is first thing in the morning, at the opening. The quality of light is also the most beautiful, and her painting glows with the morning sun.

An opening is also quite literally a place in a surface allowing passage into or through a thing, like a window or door, or an open space in a barrier, for example a fence. In Michelle Marshall’s painting, “Fences Make Better Neighbors,” three delightful cows eagerly explore what’s better on the other side, as they take the opportunity to greet passersby.

Dale Sheldon’s painting, “Open Window,” shows an exquisitely beautiful landscape through an open window in Tuscany.

In “Out of the Woods,” a pastel by Laura Hickman, a perfect opening in the trees allows the viewer to see the glorious yellow sunlight raking across the landscape through the clusters of joyous green leaves.

Marybeth Paterson’s oil painting, “Sailing Series,” shows one of many fun sailing and racing moments – the excitement in finding that slight opening and taking off. Every stroke and mark is planned to capture those rich colors.

Always staffed by an artist, Gallery One is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at 32 Atlantic Ave., Route 26, in Ocean View. Face masks and social distancing are required. To ensure the safety of all, the number of visitors at any one time may be limited.

For more information, call 302-537-5055, email art@galleryonede.com or go to galleryonede.com.