Exhibition: SOME LIKE IT HOT: WORKS IN ENCAUSTIC

The Greek word “enkaustikos” means “to burn in”. Encaustic painting is a technique that dates back to Ancient Greece. The process involves heating a mixture of beeswax, resin and pigments. The wax can then be applied to a porous rigid surface such as a wood panel, and further manipulated. Early examples of encaustic painting could be found adorning statues at the Acropolis or in the Faiyum Mummy Portraits of Egypt.

Some Like It Hot will The exhibition will introduce the community to a brief history of the medium, and present the works of a number of contemporary artists who work in this ancient medium.

Exhibition Curator Katharine Dufault explains, “It is a highly adaptable medium and each artist has a distinct style and body of work. Their work will showcase the many beautiful properties of encaustic painting: rich color and luminous surfaces polished to a gloss; highly textured, layered, and modeled; embedded with mixed media.”

Participating artists will include Christine Aaron, Anne Bedrick, Kathy Cantwell, Roxanne Faber Savage, David Fox, Lorraine Glessner, Leslie Giuliani, Lisa Pressman, Pat Spainhour, Priya Tambe, Dietlind Vander Schaff, as well as students from both The Rye Arts Center and Pelham Art Center where Dufault teaches encaustic classes.

The Rye Arts Center’s gallery is free and open to the public. All are invited to enjoy an opening reception, Saturday, January 20, 5:00 – 7:00, where you can explore the works and meet many of the participating artists. Visit www.ryeartscenter.org to learn about related classes, workshops, and a panel discussion.

About The Rye Arts Center

Established in 1960, The Rye Arts Center is the largest multi-arts center in the region. It is a community-based not-for-profit dedicated to inspiring interest and maximum participation in the arts in and around Westchester. They offer classes and lessons, performances, exhibitions, and a range of outreach programs. It is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye, NY. For more information, visit www.ryeartscenter.org or call 914-967-0700.