Face to Face, an exhibition featuring paintings by Rochester-based artist Judy Munro, includes a free opening gallery reception from 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 3 at Huron Valley Council for the Arts, 205 W. Livingston Rd. in Highland.
The reception gives those attending a chance to meet the artist as well as to enjoy refreshments crafted by students of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Michigan.
“Face to Face is about people and faces that persist in my mind until I can get them onto canvas,” Munro explained. “Once on canvas, I am free, to become engaged by the next face and the cycle repeats itself.” She added, “My figurative work is extremely personal. Although my paintings are usually inspired by a face or faces that I’ve seen and have to interpret through paint, none of them are about “portraiture.” Once I’ve placed the “inspiration face”, each painting evolves into a story.”
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Munro's work experience includes corporate design, starting as an artist for The Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 1974; she worked there 23 years in various positions, moving on to hold the positions of designer, supervisor and manager of the graphic services department.
“In 1998 I joined the Lionel LLC (yes the train maker) as manager of creative services. I spent the next 10 years with Lionel, eventually becoming director of marketing services.”
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Then life took a sudden change. “In January 2009, after a corporate downsizing, which resulted in the elimination of my entire department, I was presented with the choice of continuing to pursue my corporate career or take a huge risk and pursue my passion of becoming a professional artist. Life is short. I chose to pursue my passion. In March 2009, I picked up a paintbrush and recommitted myself to me and my art. History will write the rest.”
The show will be open until July 1 in HVCA’s gallery during its regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information, see HVCA’s website at www.huronvalleyarts.org or call 248-889-8660.
