“Earthly Delights” Artists Reception

“Earthly Delights” by Sandra McClelland-Lewin and Bettie Sperty
Exhibit dates: August 1-September 14, 2024

Artist Reception: August 10, 6 pm-8 pm (Free to the public)
View the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments.

Exhibit Summary
“Earthly Delights”
In an artistic collaboration, Sandra McClelland-Lewin and Bettie Sperty’s bright compositions combine in an exhibit that is a cross between nature’s earthly beauty and ethereal imaginary worlds. Sperty’s artwork ranges from colorful and whimsical to the fine detail of Trompe L’oeil. Her works pair seamlessly next to Lewin’s detailed representational, yet meditative acrylic paintings. The artwork included in this exhibit features vibrant birds, insects and animals, lush greenery and heavenly skies, all executed in delicate, beautiful detail and often enhanced with shimmering metallic foils, discreet sparkle or pearlescent accents. Each piece compels the viewer to take a closer look.

The artists hope that exhibit viewers will pause for a moment and allow the art to soothe their souls, relax their minds, and allow them to become one with nature.

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.”…. Jimmy Carter

About the Artists
Sandra McClelland-Lewin
Sandra Lewin received a BA in Advertising Design, but didn’t really begin her artistic career until many years later when she became a computer graphic artist for the Central Intelligence Agency. After retiring from the government, she began taking classes in fine art such as watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylics. Her body of work is primarily representational, inspired by the beauty of nature, and is not limited to any one style or medium. Her graphics background influences her methodology, ensuring compositions that are balanced in movement and color. Hobbies of photography and travel provide inspiration and abundant material for her paintings. Through her color choices and subject matter she hopes to elevate the spirit, causing the viewer to slow down, smile, and enjoy the moment. She considers her art a success if it motivates that sort of peaceful reflection.

Bettie Sperty
Bettie Sperty is a local Virginia artist who enjoys working with a variety of mediums.
She truly has been honing her skills since childhood, when more than once she was reprimanded for drawing in all of the margins of her school papers and on her homework. Though mostly self-taught, she has always been inspired by watching other artists, learning from them and also exploring techniques, styles and mediums on her own.
Bettie’s painting style runs from fun, colorful and whimsical to the fine detail of photo-realism. Her pieces are quite often inspired by nature and enhanced with metallic foils, iridescent paints or other sparkling accents.
Bettie creates her pieces for her own enjoyment and is always happy if someone else enjoys them, as well. In her own words she says, “My goal is not to make a social or political statement. I don’t hope to change the world or draw attention to a cause. My hope is simply to make your eyes happy, to touch your heart, with the art I create.”

 
Contact
ARTfactory, Gallery Director: Jordan Exum | jexum@VirginiaARTfactory.org
9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 | 703-330-2787
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10 am-5 pm), Sunday (12-5 pm) VirginiaARTfactory.org