Line Dances Exhibit & Concert at The White Meeting House
The White Meeting House is pleased to host “Line Dances,” an exhibit of Barre artist Arthur Zorn’s abstract impressionist paintings, during the month of February. Visitors will be able to enjoy Zorn’s large, colorful pieces in the contemplative and light-filled sanctuary. Works range widely from portraits to non-representational meditations and are connected through their strong linear components – whether straight, swirled, or multi-layered.
On Saturday, February 7th, at 7 PM, Zorn will offer a free concert of piano and organ improvisations in a classical style, in response to selected pieces from the exhibit. This format offers an unusual opportunity for dynamic conversation around multiple experiences – of the artist, of the audience – in both musical and visual arts.
Mr. Zorn has been showing his abstract impressionist paintings for over a decade and was featured in the Governor’s Gallery at the Statehouse in 2008. He uses paint, chalk or charcoal, and repurposed objects to express his “life’s experiences, passions, feelings, joy, sufferings, guilt, angers, grief, and loves.” His energetic, improvisational style has been well-received by both critics and collectors.
Mr. Zorn’s visual expressions may be seen as both a counterpoint to and an extension of his life’s work in music. After thirty years as a highly-regarded music teacher in the Barre schools, he is currently the organist and choir director at Bethany Church in Montpelier. He has conducted music festivals around New England; performed in solo and ensemble concerts as vocalist, as pianist, and as organist; and his original compositions have been broadcast live on VPR.
Mr. Zorn’s resume demonstrates a lifetime of passion and love for music and the arts, and he shares it generously with those around him. The White Meeting House is honored to be able to host him in its new exhibit series, Meeting House Arts, which aims to create more opportunities for both community members and local artists to share and enjoy art. “We are excited about this,” explains Peter Plagge, pastor of the church, “because it brings the community together in a nice, positive way.”
The exhibit will be up February 1st through February 22nd in the White Meeting House at 8 North Main Street. Doors will be open Tuesday through Friday, from 8:30AM to 4PM to view the show, or by special request. Both the exhibit and the concert are free and open to the public. More information about Zorn’s work is available at his website, www.artzorn.com.