Staff Reports
Leaving all her troubles behind.
That’s how French-born artist and Columbus resident Aline Chevalier describes the process of creating her vibrantly colorful and often-layered works.
Several of her pieces are part of the latest exhibit “Where the Roads Meet” through July at Gallery 506 at the Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St. downtown.
The display features the art of IndyArtWerkz, a collective of five, mixed-media artists from central Indiana: Chevalier; Curly Tom Brown of Greenwood; Marie Roth Henderson of Mulberry; and Jennifer Jefferis and M.A. Rosenberg, both of Indianapolis.
The genesis of the group was a mixed media class at the Indianapolis Art Center. The group formed friendships and a creative chemistry. Members officially organized in 2015.
“My inspiration comes from people’s journeys and stories,” Chevalier said on her website at alinemyart.com. “I enjoy exploring the human mind and soul from people around the globe and incorporating it into my art.
“I love colors, their intensity and vibrations and juxtaposing unexpected combinations of them,” she added.
Fine examples of that are three of Chevalier’s works in a series she calls “Indiana I Want You!” — which are included in the current show. Done with paper, acrylic and ink on canvas, they look like loosely and wonderfully wildly interpreted portraits of people and their soulful expressions.
“My feelings and dreams also inspire my art,” Chevalier said.
She uses old magazines, newspapers and postcards in her work. She also regularly mixes techniques: acrylic paint, ink, stamps, stencils and markers.
“Truly, art is my best friend,” she said. “When I draw, my feelings are held within the shapes, colors and images allowing my emotionally-charged thoughts to be reflected from within the paint.”
The collective’s mission is to support the artistic growth of each member and to exhibit the group’s work collectively. The group has often worked together in a studio. During studio time, members utilize a variety of eclectic, mixed media techniques. The time together also provides an opportunity to collectively share and critique each other’s work.
The diversity of the work within the collective is its greatest asset, according to the artists.
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What: Where The Roads Meet exhibit of IndyArtWerkz, a collective of five, mixed-media artists from central Indiana, including Aline Chevalier of Columbus.
When: Through July.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Gallery 506 at the Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St.
Admission: Free.
Information: 812-378-2622 or columbus.in.us
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