During the month of October, Gallery 26 celebrates the diverse work of guest artist Karen Maskell-Peck. This artist’s colorful, dramatic paintings focus on the lives of everyday people around the world, complicated family relationships, and the plight of Middle Eastern women during war time. Peck often takes her inspiration from news headlines from around the world. “My goal is express respect and dignity to human tragedy,” she says.
Also on exhibit will be Peck’s “My Father” Collage Series, along with selections of abstract photography. In all of her work, Peck deals with everyday topics in an extraordinary way. on Friday, October 1 from 5:00-8:30pm, an Opening Reception with wine and cheese will be held during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk. Peck will speak about her process and inspiration during an Artist Talk at 7pm. Violin and fiddle instrumentals will be provided throughout the evening by young musician, Noah Dorbin.
Peck has been making art for all of her life. “My father worked as a draftsman engineer,” she says, “but his hobby was painting. He always kept my art supplies full.” Her mother was a seamstress and later became an expert quilt maker. Peck attended a demonstration elementary school, where she spent much of her time learning creative arts. She continued her art studies in high school and then qualified for a scholarship to the Maryland Institute College of Art, where she majored in photography and painting.
After two years, Peck left school and married. “I raised my children and wondered if it would be possible to return to what I loved,” she remembers. “There were times when I feared I would never paint again.”
One day as Peck was getting ready for work, her husband suggested, “Why don’t you follow your dream?”
“He was right,” says Peck. “Our four children were grown; it was time.” That very day she re-enrolled at the Maryland Institute, and for the next eight years she studied photography, painting, and art history.
Peck and her husband moved to the Eastern Shore in September 2005 and she began producing artwork—first watercolor, then photography, and then layering the two, which creates a unique effect.
One day while in Paris, Peck noticed how war and suffering were represented in the art being created around her. “It occurred to me that our country was not honoring human suffering in any permanent form of media. I was inspired to paint the stories of war from the headlines of news stories in the New York Times and Washington Post that reflect the times we live in. That is what you will see in this show.”
Gallery 26 offers visitors a unique artistic experience. The main gallery exhibits the work of eight local artists, in mediums including fiber art, mosaics, basketry, metal sculpture, and jewelry. Working artists’ studios are open to the public so that visitors may meet the artists and inquire directly about their process. There are monthly, rotating exhibits by guest artists, classes, artist discussions, and other special events. Gallery 26 is located at 26 W. Dover Street, in the old Cherry’s building. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday by appointment or by chance. The gallery is open late for monthly First Friday Gallery Walks. For more information, visit www.gallery26easton.com or contact Jen Wagner at 443.521.4084.
