ART EXHIBIT: The Sojourn by Regina Berkeley

With The Sojourn, artist Regina Berkeley presents a series of intricate works that convey the essence of the medieval town of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the southwest of France, a place vibrating with bold, lush colors.

For this exhibit, Regina developed a new technique that unites her two passions -- photography and oil painting. Original photographs were first edited and then made into pencil sketches. Once enlarged, the prints were secured to a block of wood. The oil paint was applied in various layers, and some of the pencil sketch was left exposed. As a final step, a touch of high gloss varnish is applied to encapsulate the image’s vitality. The result is a freer composition, an asymmetrical arrangement of large areas of flat color placed in contrast with intricate patterns, creating an atmospheric wash of color.

The inspiration for Regina’s work can be traced back to the Impressionists -- themselves inspired by the Japanese woodblock print -- who produced paintings that broke rules because of the influence of photography.

Art Opening: Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Complimentary French wine will be served at the opening reception

Exhibit: October 8 - November 2, 2015*

Hours: 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM Mon-Thu, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat, Friday by appointment

At the French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02116

*Gallery is closed Monday, October 12 in observance of Columbus Day.

About the Artist

Born and raised in Boston, Regina Berkeley became intrigued with photography at an early age. She earned a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art & Design in 1981. After graduation, Regina left on the first of many photographic trips to France. In 1992, she was awarded a grant from the French Consulate to photograph the country’s then new high speed rail service, the TGV. Her work was subsequently displayed here at the French Cultural Center.

Regina’s desire to photograph has always been matched by a love of painting. From 1994 to 2001 she studied oil painting at the Newport Art Museum and the Art Student League of New York. Regina has exhibited regularly, including at the Danforth Museum, Fogg Art Museum, Brookline Open Studios, San Francisco Art Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, several times at the Newport Art Museum, the Spring Bull Gallery, and Francesca Anderson Fine Art.