It should come as no surprise that many artists work behind the scenes at our art institutions.
For the past 16 years, painter David Gentilini has worked for Capital University’s Schumacher Gallery. For 15 of those years, Gentilini worked closely with recently retired director Cassandra Lee Tellier, who grew the collection by hundreds of works and upgraded every aspect of the museum.
Well known for his kind and generous nature David, Gentilini – who also found time to serve at MadLab, and is currently on the board of the Franklinton Arts District – he was quick to respond with a favorite piece from the Columbus Museum of Art’s collection. Childe Hassam’s Winter, Midnight (22” by 18,” oil on canvas) shows this American impressionist reaching into the lower key of an urban nocturne.
“I’m haunted by it. I love the way you feel like you’re in a fierce winter storm. Even standing in the gallery in August, I feel cold,” Gentilini says. “The way he handles the lamppost and the other carriage lights is captivating to me. The general looseness of the snow and the carriages – the whole thing, really.”
Hassam (1859-1935, American) was trained as a wood engraver in his youth, and I sometimes feel he actually carves into the surface of this painting with numerous cuts in the rich surface.
Spring brings about the season for student exhibitions, and Capital University’s student show at Schumacher Gallery has an opening reception 5-7 p.m. April 15.
You can find paintings by Gentilini at Sharon Weiss Gallery in the Short North.
Nationally renowned local artist Michael McEwan teaches painting and drawing classes at his Clintonville area studio.
