Hidden Memories by Marilyn Sparks
Part of a month-long showcase of local and regional artists, the work of Marilyn Sparks will be featured at an exhibition and reception at Grand Bohemian Gallery on Friday, October 14, from 5:30–8 p.m. Sparks, inspired by her youth in the South and her current surroundings in Highlands and Cumming, GA, creates bright, contemporary still lifes and southern and low country scenes that often veer into abstraction.
“Marilyn discovered her passion for painting after an extensive career in the fashion industry,” says Constance Richards Bora, Grand Bohemian Gallery director. “Her experience with color, texture and proportion are evident in the way she combines these elements on canvas.”
Sparks considers painting similar to producing fashion shows, stating that she is simply “creating a picture using paint and a palette knife rather than models, music and merchandise.” A self-taught artist who utilizes a traditional palette knife and other impressionistic techniques, she continually evolves, reinventing herself through her work.
“I love coming to Asheville to absorb the energy and enthusiasm,” says Sparks, who will be present at the reception. “Knowing that the city has a unique, vibrant and eclectic art community, I am grateful and excited to be included. And, of course, I am honored to be in the beautiful Grand Bohemian Gallery.”
The majority of artists showcased at the Grand Bohemian Gallery are notable and emerging local and regional artists. Also exhibiting at the gallery in October will be realist master John Mac Kah, plein-air painter Richard Oversmith and select jewelry designers.
Grand Bohemian Gallery is located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel, 11 Boston Way, in Asheville’s Historic Biltmore Village. The gallery is open Monday– Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. All works are for sale. Learn more at bohemianhotelasheville.com.
