November 10, 2006
Contact: Gail Watkins, 410-757-5385
GAIL WATKINS SHOW TO BENEFIT CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
Nationally-known, local artist Gail Hillow Watkins opens a show of new works December 2, 2006, to January 15, 2007, at the DeMatteis Gallery on West Street in Annapolis. The show is entitled "Status X," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designation for extinct species. The artist’s proceeds from the show will be donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, recognizing of one of the Foundation’s major goals.
“I chose the theme of extinct species because I’ve always been interested in the idea of trying to preserve animals and habitat which may disappear” said Ms. Watkins. “Its only fitting that the Foundation should benefit from the show because one of its goals is the protection of endangered species.”
The show contains new works reflecting Ms. Watkins’ signature mixed-media works using comic strips, decorative motifs, pigments and various media. Watkins, who for twenty years taught art at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Md., has exhibited her work extensively, including solo exhibitions at Duke University, the Susquehanna Art Museum and the Franz Bader Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Watkins’ group shows include “Linked to Landscape,” which traveled from the Corcoran Gallery of Art to the Trenton City Museum of Art and the DeLand Museum in Florida. Her work is in many private and corporate collections, including those of Sallie Mae (Student Loan Mortgage Association), the National Institutes of Health, the Hyatt and Hilton corporations and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. In 1996, the prestigious the Watkins Collection at American University acquired her pieces.
Watkins studied at the Corcoran School of Art, the British Institute in Florence and the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere in Paris after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Duke Univeristy. She has a Masters in Art from American University in Washington D.C.
A reception for the show will be held Saturday, December 2, 2006, at the DeMatteis Gallery in Annapolis, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m
"'Species X' is one woman's homage to loss" View/Print as PDF
By Janice F. Booth For The Capital
"Artist To The Rescue" View/Print as PDF
By Ann Boone-Simanski For The Examiner
"Extinct animals live on in new Annapolis exhibit" View/Print as PDF
By Emily Campell For The Examiner
'Status X' The Opening at DeMatteis Gallery See Photos
'Status X' The proceeds donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation See Photo
