The Ware Center Presents Carol Galligan's MOUNTAINS & WATERWAYS, 4/4-27

The Ware Center is perfect-built to showcase large works of art. Carol Galligan, a local artist, takes full advantage of the huge, white walls there. Her new exhibit "Mountains & Waterways" will open at the Ware Center Friday, April 4th from 6 - 8 PM. Ms. Galligan will be in attendance. The show runs through April 27 at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PAFriday. It is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or during performances at the Center.

Carol Galligan is one of Lancaster County's finest artists and teachers. Her art has been exhibited in over 100 venues internationally in Japan, Italy, and Korea, as well as in major exhibitions in the United States. Most recently, Galligan received the 2011 Rottler Award for Excellence in Visual Arts from the York Art Association and won first place at the Millersville University Ganser Library Gallery Competition.

Galligan says of her new show, "Taoism is indigenous to China, dating back as early as 500 B.C... The Taoist understands that 'being' is simply the universe.....the ten thousand living and non-living things in constant transformation. Taoism is radically feminist, comparable to practices centered around a Great Mother who continuously gives birth to all things in the unending cycle of life, death, and rebirth. I know very little about China and its history and traditions. However, what little knowledge I acquired these past few years has influenced my work immensely. I was inspired to visit China. I wanted to see and experience for myself the mountains.....what the painters and poets experienced that influenced the wonderful work of these artists. Traditional belief was that spirits of the dead lie in mountains, and virtually every mountain had its resident 'God.' I have a love for Chinese painting and poetry. Taoists' poems rarely use the word 'I.' Taoists' poems are ego-free responses to nature's beauty. The titles to my pieces are quotes from my collection of Chinese poetry. I love the idea that the arts were considered forms of spiritual practice in traditional China. When I'm working in my studio, I refer to this as praying."

Carol received her Master's Degree in Painting from the College of Art and Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. Carol also serves as the President of the Echo Valley Art Group, which will be showcasing their own work at the Ware Center in June, 2014.

Carol Galligan's "Mountains and Waterways" is sponsored by Rodgers & Associates, Ann B. Barshinger, Aussie and the Fox, Fine Living Lancaster, Hagelgans & Veronis, Dr. Mary Kearns & Dr. Jon Walker, Peggy Neff and Clipper Magazine & the Barnstormers.

Continuing on the large works theme, also on display in the Atrium are larger works by other, notable downtown artists including Freiman Stoltzfus, Tom DePaul, Sheba Sharrow, Liz Hess, Lisa Madenspacher, Claire Giblin, Susan Gottlieb, Julia Swartz, Gail Gray, Christiane David and Jon Johnson.

The Creative Factory displays works by residents of the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center in the Grand Salon under the title "Under the Surface." Despite the troubles that brought them to LCYIC, the students challenge themselves and find meaning and healing through art making by engaging in mural painting, self-portrait collages and super heroes.

All three exhibits are FREE and open to the public.

Music for the evening is provided by Lancaster favorite Corty Byron in Lyet Lobby. The music is FREE, too.

Discount parking vouchers are available for the Prince Street Garage, located at the corner of North Prince Street and West Orange.