For Immediate Release
Celebrating 10 Years, Casco Bay Artisans presents
Russ Cox: New Ways of Living with Art.
A Master Abstractionist Muses on the Objects and Scenes of Everyday Life.
June 13th, 2022, Portland, Maine – Casco Bay Artisans is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this summer. Gallery owner Jennifer Swarts wanted to mark the occasion with a passion project that has been in the works for years. Large scale abstract artist Russ Cox was the perfect collaborator.
The centerpieces of this exhibition are a series of unstretched ‘scroll’ works on canvas. Cox’s mastery of gesture, scale and theme collide with contemporary presentation that is both beautiful and practical. The large scale of Cox’s abastrations immerse viewers in a visual field where their world becomes the painting. As ‘scroll’ works, these pieces can be easily moved across the world or just from room to room.
From scrolls, the collaboration moved to textiles. Swarts has always envisioned Cox’s work translating into objects of comfort. For the next project, she paired Cox’s painting with a bench by master woodworker Terry Kelly. Now the works could be an immersive place of solace. Next the direction moved to shoes. Art and footwear have long been companions of each other. It was time for Cox’s pieces to join this subculture. Once again, Swarts tapped into the network of creators in Maine. This time pairing with Rancourt & Co to hand stitch limited editions of three paintings as high and low top sneakers, each to be signed by the artist. Pre-orders will be arranged through the gallery.
The finishing touches on Cox’s show are indelibly works inspired by Maine. From the stunning oceanscapes to the seaweed itself, Vacationland seeps into the very fibers of the canvas with rich blues, the texture of bubbles, and scenes the viewer wants to get lost in.
For More Information
Contact Jen Swarts, Gallery Owner Jen@CascBayArtisans.com 207-400-6159
Or Jess Lauren, Gallery Manager CBArtMarketing@gmail.com 609-306-0793
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Russ Cox ‘Summer Meadow’ Oil on Canvas Scroll 60”x 74” $4900
Russ Cox ‘Untitled (River)’ Oil on Canvas 48”x60” $6826
Terry Kelly 'Lilliana's Bench' White Ash 42"x 23" x 32" $2800 with Cushion $3200
Russ Cox 'Grafitti' Oil on Canvas 60″x48″ $6825
Shoes Available for Pre Order 6/18/22
Russ Cox ‘Under the Surf’ Oil on Canvas 72”x 48” $7500