STUDIO VISIT!

This week, our middle school artists had an amazing opportunity to visit a local art gallery and studio! Rik Lazenby and Melanie O'Keefe are both nationally known artists and were very gracious to talk to us about their work and give us a tour of their beautiful gallery and studio space. We enjoyed learning about the spiritual significance of their work as well as about the amazing materials they use! 

photo credit: Lazenby Genesis Studio

Rik Lazenby works in the abstract style, incorporating plaster, gold leaf, epoxies, and polymers in his highly sculptural and exquisite work. You can see the textured effects and relief sculpture in these pieces: 

Rik Lazenby original mixed media

Rik Lazenby original mixed media

Melanie works in a highly realistic style, using oil paints on canvas to describe beautiful landscapes that symbolize her relationship with Christ! This print of a hummingbird and tree branch painting symbolizes Jesus' decision to stay here on earth, suffering on the cross and dying for our sins. The bird looks very much like a mosaic, with the jewel-like colors applied in sections! 

Melanie O'Keefe original oil painting 

Melanie O'Keefe original oil painting 

Photographs do not do these art pieces justice - each of them are amazing, rich with detail, and captivating! I hope you get to visit the gallery soon to see these in person! The studio and gallery are located right down the hill next to the Piggly Wiggly shopping center. 

Below are links to the artists' websites and Facebook pages if you would like to see more! 

Rik Lazenby Fine Art

Lazenby's Genesis Art Studio (Facebook Page)

Melanie O'Keefe Fine Art

Melanie O'Keefe Fine Art Facebook Page