Packard Reath Gallery plans gala opening July 2
The Packard Reath Gallery is continuing its 13th year celebration with a gala opening in the Hotel Rodney from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, July 2. Pianist Aimee Wiest will entertain with music for Independence Day. This unique show, titled “A Joyful Noise" will feature the work of Eastern Shore painter Danny Doughty. This show will be on view until August 6.
Doughty is an internationally recognized visionary artist from the eastern shore of Virginia. Doughty has been painting his “vision” of the Eastern Shore for over 35 years.
He is drawn to paint the world he grew up in, the small fishing village of Willis Wharf. His paintings both reflect “a simpler time and place” and explore the wisdom and joyful celebration of the African American community that Doughty was inspired to paint
His paintings depict his memories growing up in the midst of people who found joy and pleasure in everyday tasks, the sense of community and the love of family.
Doughty has always wanted to extend his work into sculpture so people could experience his world more fully. He has now realized this dream by finding just the right artists to help bring his world into sculpture. Experience this unusual collaboration between Doughty and Joyce L. Fritz Ritz, the artist who brings the characters to life through sculpture, and Bob Ritz, the artist who creates the world the characters live in. Doughty adds his trademark painting style to each piece.
Gallery owners Sally Packard and Dinah Reath have showcased fine art photography in their gallery for 13 years. This show marks the first time the work of a painter is the primary focus of a show. Reath sid “We fell in love with Danny’s art the first time we saw it in a gallery in Cambridge, Md. and knew that we had to bring his work to Lewes.”
Doughty’s work has been shown throughout the country including at the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Md., The Rittenhouse Art Show in Philadelphia and the Folk Fest in Atlanta, Ga.
Packard Reath Gallery exhibits the work of many contemporary artists. Gallery owners invite the public to visit and continue to offer individual and corporate clients consultations at the gallery, in clients' homes or at business sites.
"Stop in and say hello," said Reath. "We'll be open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, and can be reached at 302-644-7513. Or go to www.packardreathgallery.com.
