Art at the Athenaeum

Biblical Inspiration for Local Artists’ New Retrospective

May 2nd through June 21st, 2008

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – For local artists Pam Allen and Kristi Zerull, the biblical theme “In His Hands…” perfectly captures the spirit of the paintings they will unveil in a highly-anticipated show debuting in May at the Third Floor Gallery of the Fredericksburg Athenaeum, 810 Caroline Street.

An opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled May 2 from 6-9 p.m.
In Job 12:10, the artists discovered a theme that struck a responsive chord in both of their lives and art. The passage they found particularly appropriate read: “In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”

“Here we have a sentiment that shows our love for our subjects,” Zerull said, “recognizing God is represented all around us. He is responsible for the gift to paint the many beautiful things he has placed on this earth.”

Both women have drawn inspiration from art colleague Ana Rendich’s courageous battle with end-stage kidney failure and her need for a transplant. They will devote ten percent of the proceeds from their show to the National Kidney Foundation. Information on kidney disease and organ donation will be available at the show.

Allen said her artwork will focus on “things in this world that God’s hands have touched…from children playing, to florals, to quiet paths in the woods—simple things we tend to overlook and not enjoy.”
“The beauty of God’s palette” is Zerull’s description of the paintings she will hang in the show. “My paintings will be of flowers, birds, animals, fish and landscapes rich in nature’s vivid colors.”

An art teacher at Ni River Middle School, Allen uses YUPO synthetic paper to create explosions of color with a unique flow rarely seen in watercolor paintings. “YUPO permits me the freedom to express passion for the subject matter, allowing the paint to run and mix with a uniqueness not found on other surfaces.”

Allen’s last solo show was at Frederick’s Restaurant in March. She was the featured artist at Brush Strokes in December and had a two-person show in September with Pat Thalman at Art First, where she presently enjoys membership. Her art also was featured in a solo show at the Fredericksburg Center from the Creative Arts in February, 2007.

She graduated from St. Joseph’s College with a B.A. in Education and a minor in Art. Allen also earned a Master’s in Administration from Virginia Tech and a BLS in Art from Mary Washington. She won the “Best in Show” award at the Fredericksburg Fine Arts Exhibit in 2002 and a third place ribbon in watercolor. In 1998, her entry in the in the Uniquely Fredericksburg show captured a third place in drawing.

In love with art from early childhood, Zerull found stimulation from some “wonderfully inspiring teachers” in high school. She was one of the select few to attend the Governor’s School of the Fine Arts in the summer of 1989. After high school, Zerull received an Associates in Liberal Arts, specializing in studio art, from Virginia Western Community College in 1992 and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Mary Washington College (now UMW) in 1995.

Zerull has worked in a variety of mediums to include pencil, color pencil, pastels, charcoal and acrylic. A stay-at-home mother, Kristi has found working from home invigorating to her art career. Her varied experiences include photography, framing, graphic design, sign creation and, most recently, supporting the Navy through development of graphics at its base in Dahlgren, Va.
Kristi had her first solo exhibit at The Loft in downtown Fredericksburg during September and October of 2005. Meanwhile, she joined Art First, from which she is currently on a leave-of –absence, and shared a two-person show with Ruth Ann Loving in May, 2006. She also had a solo show at Bistro Bethem in April-May, 2007.

The "In His Hands" exhibit will be on display until June 21. A second reception will be held on June 6th from 6 to 9 pm. Hours at the Third Floor Gallery are Thurs-Saturday 1-6 pm. May also schedule an appointment with artists.

The Third Floor – 373-1311
Kristi Zerull – 548-3372
Pam Allen – 207-1056

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