51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× Southern Art Gallery will feature an exhibition of Harold K. Edwards paintings, beginning Monday, August 22, with a closing reception on September 15, at 5 p.m.

ā€œIn all the arts, it seems that the visual artistā€™s statements are the most grievous of attempts to mix means of expression.ā€ Edwards said.

This exhibition will feature a collection of paintings that will be on display in Dingus Technology Center located on OHIO Southernā€™s campus. Edwardsā€™s paintings have been on display in various art galleries across the country, including the Main Art Gallery in Richmond, Virginia, and the Marion Parson Alden Gallery at 51ĀŅĀ× in Athens, Ohio. Most recently his paintings were showcased at the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center located in Portsmouth, Ohio.

ā€œIn many ways, artistsā€™ statements appear to be bureaucracies creeping into the artistā€™ lives,ā€ Edwards said. ā€œThe statements have perhaps become the cliff notes of the art world and sometimes may result in the negative effect of preventing viewers from interpreting the images through their own thoughts and experiences.ā€

Edward received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from West Virginia State University and a Master of Arts in Humanities form Marshall University. He began his career as a teacher, holding positions at Kanawha County Schools and Lincoln County schools in West Virginia.  As his career evolved, Edwards held multiple higher education level positions.  He served as an interior architecture instructor at 51ĀŅĀ×, and an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Art.

ā€œCreative people must choose a process in which they feel comfortable,ā€ Edwards said. ā€œIt is my belief that a great number of visual artists have chosen their media because their skills in that field are stronger than their verbal skills.  To ask a visual artist to explain verbally their works seems akin to fitting square pegs into round holes.ā€

The exhibition runs through Thursday, September 15. The 51ĀŅĀ× Southern Art Gallery is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. ā€“  5 pm.