New alt_space Exhibition in January December 23 2017

ED HARRIS
Out of my Gourd(s)

On View: January 6 - February 10, 2018
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 6, 4-7 PM
Artists Talk: Friday, January 19, 11 AM

New Smyrna Beach, FL — To kick off the New Year, Arts on Douglas is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibition in the alt_space by New Smyrna Beach artist,  Ed Harris, titled Out of My Gourd(s). This exhibition will commence with an opening reception on Saturday, January 6 from 4-7 PM.  Light snacks, refreshments and cocktails will be available during the reception alongside live music, featuring the smooth jazz of the TRio, with Tyler Rosenke on the drums, Ron Gilotti on the bass and Tom Monte on the guitar. The closing reception for the holiday group exhibition Small Things Considered will also be taking place in the Feature Gallery during this event, providing a final opportunity to see this exhibition of artwork sized 10 x 10 or smaller.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Out of My Gourd(s) is Ed Harris's inaugural solo exhibition at Arts on Douglas, and for this display, he is showcasing his mixed-media gourd fabrications created this past year. “From his gourd rendition of a Tiffany lamp to a cleverly re-imagined version of an octopus, Ed’s creations each have a life and personality of their own,” states Gallery Director Meghan Martin. Even his nonrepresentational gourd forms are full of life, as can be seen in the piece titled Pinwheel, a mixed-media construction that cleverly melds bright shimmering colors and geometric patterns.  

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Ed Harris was born in Flint, Michigan and, after serving in the US Navy, he worked briefly as an engineer before embarking on a career in sales, eventually becoming President of Gulf + Western Manufacturing Company. In 1983, after a long and productive career, Ed retired and relocated to New Smyrna Beach. It was during retirement that he finally had the time to seriously pursue artistic endeavors, developing an affinity for working with gourds, sculptural art, and paintings on canvas. 

In addition to his passion for creating art, Ed developed deep ties to the arts community in New Smyrna Beach.  He became a dedicated supporter of Atlantic Center for the Arts and was instrumental in the purchase and preservation of a former parish house that is now known as the Harris House and is dedicated to community arts programs. In 1996, Ed Harris co-founded Arts on Douglas with Doris Leeper, and he has been actively involved in the gallery since its inception, endowing the gallery to Atlantic Center for the Arts in 2014.