GIANNA COMMITO

Turf, 2010, watercolor and casein on panel, 24" x 20"

Gianna Commito is definitely a colorist who's talking in her own abstract language. The use of mediums such as watercolor and casein on panels sized with a marble dust ground is rarely found in abstract painting right now and it's great to see how well she pulls it off.

Close, 2010, watercolor and casein on panel, 20" x 16"

Bud, 2010, watercolor and casein on panel, 20" x 16"

Check out giannacommito.blogspot.com to see more of her work.

BENJAMIN GARDNER

somewhere and somewhen (for Robert Walser), 2011
acrylic, collage, gouache, watercolor, graphite, and ink on panel,
40" x 30".
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on this occasion they were favored by fortune, 2010
acrylic, collage, gouache, watercolor, and graphite on panel
40" x 30"
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.Branches and Brambles, 2010
acrylic, collage, watercolor, graphite on paper
18" x 12"

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Studio
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Benjamin Gardner received his MFA from Illinois State University in 2005 and his BFA from Millikin University in 2001; he currently teaches at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. There's something about his work -- the element of surprise when you see all of it, including his sculpture and installation work. The potential for multiple narratives with a few side roads to go down makes for a rich body of work to learn about. Benjamin also curated the most recent exhibition at Anderson Gallery at Drake University: MIDDLESTATES.

More of his work can be found at benjaminagardner.com.

ROBERT RYMAN

FLYING LEAP ART SPACE

Flying Leap Art Space is a hybrid combination of art gallery, teaching studio, library, and sitting room with a gift shop. It's the concept of Donna Colby, who has been a resident of Fairfield and an art educator in the area since the early 1980's. Accessibility to the space is what I consider to be one of its best characteristics it's even open on Sunday afternoons for her students and any gallery goers that may stop by. Donna also happens to be an artist who has continued to study the history of art herself, as her carefully chosen library shows. In visiting with her, she's always able to offer words of encouragement and insight about the work of others. Donna Colby is one whose activity within Fairfield, Iowa has definitely helped its art scene to thrive. What if every town had a Donna Colby and a similar art space?

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The art library.

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Book art on display in the gallery.
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The sitting room.
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One view of the gift shop.
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A view of part of the studio where Donna teaches.
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More about Flying Leap Art Space can be found at: flyingleapartspace.blogspot.com