Art Exhibit – “An Artful Love Affair” at Carrie Garner’s
Galleria d’Arte June 9, 2007

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte hosts their first art exhibit in their new location. Join us as we open our brand new doors at the Old Collin County Prison located at 115 S. Kentucky Street. Designated a Texas historic landmark in 1990, the 3-story, 6,000 square-foot building welcomes its newest tenants with a gala reception on June 9, 2007 from 8PM to 10PM.

In conjunction with this grand opening, owner, Carrie Cameron Garner is proud to announce the opening of Studio Duende and Aristeia Gallery, located on the second and third floors of the prison. Help to welcome these talented artists as together we celebrate community and enjoy new works of art from local artists in our new surroundings.

Using a technique known as oil sculpture, Garner’s paintings are explosions of vibrant colors and textures. Pallet knives - not paintbrushes – are Garner’s tools of choice, which allow her to apply varying amounts of oil paint to her canvasses. She lists the works of Cezanne and Van Gogh as major influences while she developed her style. Mentor and friend, JD Miller of Reflection Fine Art gallery in Dallas, also greatly influenced Garner’s style and helped her to perfect the oil sculpture technique.

Garner’s newest works take center stage in “An Artful Love Affair,” an exhibit that honors nature’s beauty with oil sculpture paintings that feature florals and landscapes. “Being an artist allows me to put on canvas what’s in my heart and mind,” says Garner. The entire exhibit debuts on June 9 and will be on display at Galleria d’Arte through the beginning of July.

Specializing in one-of-a-kind works of art by local artisans, Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is one of the hosts of downtown McKinney’s Second Saturday celebrations where art galleries and other downtown businesses extend their normal business hours to celebrate the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. Garner’s desire to provide affordable art to a wide variety of art lovers and collectors is her focus and goal. According to Garner, “We’re not one hundred percent mainstream; we pride ourselves on having a wide appeal.”

You are invited to join the celebration of community and the arts so plan to spend an evening in downtown McKinney. Live entertainment by The Maylee Thomas Band, wine, and finger-foods await gallery guests. Voluntary donations and a portion of the evening’s sales will be donated to the Love Life Foundation (www.lovelifefoundation.com), helping abused and at-risk children.

Co-sponsors of the evening are A Twist of Kime, Alternative Furnishings, BLING!, Cadillac Pizza Pub, Café Malaga, Ellie & Ollie, La Misha, Market Square Antiques, Market Street, and Poppy’s Garden Café.

For further information, contact Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte at 469-742-9509 or visit us online at www.carriegarner.com.

Background: Galleria d’Arte hours are Tuesday thru Friday: 11am – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 5pm; by appointment only on Sunday and Monday. To schedule an appointment, please call 469-742-9509.