Installation by Leigh Kostenbader

Artist’s Statement

As a dancer, I fully embraced improvisation with its general absence of restrictions and boundaries. I felt safe. Doing something “wrong” was not part of the experience.

Transitioning into abstract painting was a natural progression for me. The intuitive movements of my brush engage in a silent conversation or dance, if you will, with my inner self and what I see before me on the canvas. At its best in the creative process, spontaneity, discovery, and excitement take the lead. As the final presentation emerges, the rawness and spontaneity are met by reason. I consider and do what is required to make the art shareable.

So, dear viewer, I extend my gratitude. It’s my hope that my art stirs something in you. May it resonate a quiet echo of our shared humanity. May it bring you peace, contentment, and even joy.

Francee Schloesser

Curator’s Statement

One of my greatest pleasures in managing the gallery is the opportunity to offer emerging artist’s their first experience of a solo exhibition. For this show we welcome Wisconsin native and long-time Frankfort resident Francee Schloesser to the gallery, where her paintings are making their first appearance outside of her studio and home. Francee’s background is in dance, and she brings that kinetic form and energy to her paintings - a new medium of expression that she has taken up only recently. As a glance at the images will confirm, she may be new to painting, but she has a natural gift for visual expression.

Another pleasure is the opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues, and for this installation I was pleased to turn the walls and ladder over to Leigh Kostenbader, whom I had the privilege of mentoring when they were studying art and design at Transylvania University. Leigh works as a roving theater tech, and just happened to be back in Kentucky in time to pitch in and refresh their gallery chops on this show. Thanks Leigh!

Larry W. Moore, JCM Gallery curator