hidell brooks is very excited to open two solo exhibitions on friday of new paintings by sarah helser and brigid watson. there will also be a wonderful group exhibition of new work by gallery artists including new portraits by atlanta artist charlie hanavich who is new to the gallery plus ruth ava lyons, susan mcalister, kiki slaughter, john folsom and anke schofield.

charlotte artist sarah helser has created striking new work including a five by five foot portrait before the first snow. sarah helser was born in high point, north carolina in 1980. she spent her formative years on a farm where she enjoyed the beauty and solitude of nature. her childhood and young adulthood has had a major influence on her creativity as an artist. sarah went on to study fine arts at the university of north carolina, greensboro, where she refined her interests by focusing on the figure and the use of alternative mediums. sarah’s work is meant to express the beauty of the world around her, weaving together both realistic and abstract forms. sarah uses oil, gold leaf, tar, charcoal, encaustic, resin and other mediums to create her works on wood panel. we have know sarah for fifteen plus years and it has been incredible to watch her work transform and mature. sarah continues to create powerful work that is her own unique voice.

brigid watson is a boston- based artist. her lush abstract paintings are known for their rich color, and are inspired by people, places, experiences, and travel. brigid holds a masters degree from new york university and undergraduate degrees from the school of the museum of fine arts, boston and tufts university.

the first time we laid eyes on brigid's amazing paintings we were in love. nothing makes us swoon more than loads of oil paint and a broad color palette. her luscious paintings are small jewels with a bold presence. they are equivalent to candy to a child - irresistible. a must see in person to get the full effect of her texture.

monarch series by ruth ava lyons
below organism series by ruth ava lyons

please call the gallery if you have any questions concerning the new exhibitions. both artists will be at the opening on friday, november 4th from 6-8 pm.