The Boating Party Tonight!

Tonight, August 20th! The public is invited to a free event, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, where dozens of local and regional artists will gather at Fanjoy-Labrenz in downtown Hickory for their first group show. The band of painters, sculptors, and photographers were invited to exhibit in The Boating Party by curator Lindsay Barrick.

The mixed-media artist conceived of the show with her mentor and friend Thomas Thielemann years ago. "We were discussing Renoir's painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party, one evening. We loved the idea of creative people and their friends spending time together in conversation over a leisurely meal. We felt a kinship to Renoir. We were constantly finding ourselves surrounded by poets, musicians, patrons, and other artists. We recognized the possibility of transforming those casual moments into an intentional gathering of artists and creatives."

With this first group show, Barrick hopes to showcase the work of some of her favorite artists. "These artists, ranging from emerging to incredibly established, all produce excellent work. I'm a fan of each one. And they're also my friends. More than anything, they're great people who add beauty to our community."

Exhibiting artists include Bud Caywood, Sally Fanjoy, James Labrenz, Kent Paulette, Mary Dobbin, Andy Thomason, Lynda Lea Bonkemeyer, Thomas Thielemann, Charlie Frye, Andrew Atkin, Wyn Flo, Jacquelyn Mate, Jonathan Rice, Sondra Dorn, Amber Watts, and many other regional favorites.One of the younger exhibitors, Abigail Taylor, will also perform with her Americana band The Quick Walkers.
Sally Fanjoy and James Labrenz are hosting the invitational collective at their downtown Hickory studio/gallery located at 215 1st Avenue SW.