Fallsnewspress.com - Artists' work shows spectrum of talent (WITH VIDEO)

RPC Photo / April K. Helms; This painting, “Miami Suicide,” was done in reaction to the news of a 5-year-old orphaned girl commited suicide on the railroad tracks so “she could be an angel in heaven with her mother,” according to notes from artist Judy Gaiser.

RPC Photo / April K. Helms; Jack Richard, owner of The Almond Tea Gallery, relates the story behind two of the paintings by Judy Gaiser. The one of the left, “Mrs. Ludwig’s Tattoos,” was inspired by a memory of Mrs. Ludwig, who was once the Tattoo lady with Ringling Bros. The painting on the right, “Arcade Madonna,” was inspired by a memory Gaiser had of a girl perched on a pin ball machine in a laundry room on Manitoulin Island.

RPC Photo / April K. Helms; “Educational Dilemna,” by Judy Gaiser, is a painting of a broken-down schoolbus. On the bus’ plate, it says “Exodus.”

by April Helms

Special Products Editor

A directionless ship with only a child at the rudder. A girl with a baby, perched on a pinball machine. The figures of Pan and Harlequin leaving earth.

These are but three works out of more than 30, created by Kent artist Judy Gaiser, on display at the Almond Tea Gallery in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, an exhibit which gallery owner Jack Richard called one of "the most creative the gallery has ever shown."

The exhibit, "Mind and Image," will be up through March 15. An artist's reception is scheduled for Feb. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m.

"Our gallery has shown over 300 artists -- local, regional and national, but nothing like this," Richard said. "The best single word I can use is 'wow!'"

The pieces on display are all a product of Gaiser's imagination.

"I see art like poetry," Gaiser said. "Poetry is an expression of your mental reaction to things and I think art should show your reactions. I do still lifes and landscapes, I can do those quickly. But they are not as challenging as a mental composition."

The images range from whimsical to sharp commentary, to somber. Some, such as Leda and the Swan and Europa's Dream, are inspired by myth. Others, such as Plant Closing and Mall Gazers, are inspired by local scenes.

"'Mall Gazers' was from Chapel Hill Mall," Gaiser said. "I'd watch the older people sitting near the fountain that used to be there, and they'd watch the shoppers go by. The shoppers seemed comatose, intent on their shopping."

Richard said Gaiser was creative "in every single angle."

"She doesn't follow any other style or any other trend," he said. "This is all really amazing, and when you read the stories behind them, they are even more amazing."

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery also is open 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and by appointment.

The Almond Tea Gallery is at 2250 Front St. Call 330-929-1575 for details.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153