Beyond Skin Deep art by tattoo artists reception set June 26

Residents of Lewes and the surrounding areas are fortunate enough to have a rich art culture. Some traditional-style local painters may come to mind. Many have seen picturesque landscapes of the sea and farmland that represent the area.

There is, however, another layer of the local art scene that is underrepresented in the gallery setting, despite that fact that it is all around. This is the reason the Peninsula Gallery team is excited to present Beyond Skin Deep, an exhibition featuring work by tattoo artists.

This exhibition opens Saturday, June 29, and runs through Saturday, July 27. All are invited to the artist reception from 5 to 7  p.m., June 29. The show will feature pieces by several regional and local artists who are also professional tattoo artists. This display will expose the styles and skills of the participants beyond what may be visible in their tattooing and show that tattoo artists are fine artists.

Many pieces make clear the transition between drawing/painting and tattoo design. While looking at other works, however, the viewer may never guess that the creator does tattoos as well. Attendees will see images ranging from full color to black and white, from delicate renderings of light and shadow to impossibly intricate line-work. These artists have depicted flora, figures, animals, abstract compositions and more.

Owners of the Peninsula Gallery, Carol and Tony Boyd-Heron, and their associate Molly Honey King, who curated the show, are thrilled to highlight these particular artists and broaden the scope of the gallery scene in southern Delaware. They hope that the exhibition will bring together all types of art-lovers in the community and show the common ground that we all share in our visual experience.

To view all images on the gallery website, go to www.peninsula-gallery.com. The gallery is located in the Shops at the Beacon just across the canal bridge on Savannah Road in Lewes. For more information, call 302-645-0551.