July 2023 First Friday: “In the Marsh” Group Show
featuring
Jason Abbott, Bill Casto, Carolyn Dudley, and Michael Kravchak, Sr.
Friday, July 7
6:00pm-8:00pm
During the month of July 2023, Arts on Main will exhibit, “In the Marsh,” a group show that will feature four local artists: Jason Abbott, Bill Casto, Carolyn Dudley, and Michael Kravchak, Sr. This exhibition will include both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works, and both abstract and realistic representations of life in the marsh. The opening of the show will take place at our First Friday event on Friday, July 7 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. The body of work will be on display from July 7 – July 29.
Jason Abbott
“Art has always played a major role in my life. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to share my art. I am a self-taught artist. I have spent my life experimenting, learning, and building my technique. My desire is to create art that evokes an emotion in the observer.” Jason Abbott
Bill Casto
“I am an Interpretive Wood Sculptor concentrating primarily on wildfowl. I use driftwood from local waters and found weathered wood to carve interpretive or stylized pieces of art. I attempt to capture the essence of the wildfowl rather than a realistic duplication of the subject. My sculptures emphasize form, content, movement, and are totally original and one of a kind. I am a former College Football Coach and Athletic Director locally at the College of William and Mary and The Apprentice School. I have been carving wildfowl sculptures for over 20 years competing at the top level for the past level ten years at the prestigious “Ward World Wildfowl Carving Championships. In 2013 my entry “Crane Dance” placed “Third Best in World” (Interpretive Division). In 2014 my sculpture “Swan Dive” was judged “Second Best in World”. In 2015 my carving “Wild Riders” placed 1ST “Best in the World”. In 2016 “Arctic Tern” was awarded 2nd in “Masters” Interpretive Division. In 2017 “Wingman” placed 2nd in “Masters” and “Lil Egret” won 3rd place.” –Bill Casto
Carolyn Dudley
“My artwork comes from my perception of the landscape and the people around me. Whether it be through realistic or abstract representation, the goal of my work is to not only document my experience in a setting but to create an experience for the viewer as well. The following poem By Mary Oliver, “At Blackwater Pond”, inspires me greatly.” –Carolyn Thompson Dudley
“At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hands. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened.”
Michael S. Kravchak , Sr.
“I majored in architecture in college, with a minor in art history. I studied under Professor Amy Fell, Professor John Gardner, and Sculpture Professor, J. Cherry. I have always enjoyed the Arts, and I have experimented in many mediums, i.e., pencil, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and clay sculpture.
For many years, I painted and sketched for relaxation; however, I always wanted to learn to work in watercolor. Upon my retirement as a District Manager from UGI, an energy company, I took my first course in watercolor with Robert Burnell at Portsmouth Fine Arts Institute. I have also taken a semester course with Betty Anglin at Christopher Newport University.
I have found my greatest challenge and satisfaction working in watercolor. I enjoy painting local and historical scenes from the Tidewater area and along the Chesapeake Bay. I also enjoy painting scenes from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and many other beautiful places I have been fortunate enough to visit.” -Michael S. Kravchak, Sr.
Live music will be provided by The Tidewinders.
First Friday is on July 7 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This event is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Activities at Arts on Main are partially funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
