Renee Newel Russo at the World's Smallest Art Gallery

Renée Newel Russo is showing drawings in The World’s Smallest Gallery from April 16, 2012 through June 1, 2012.

Renée is an artist and arts educator. She did her undergraduate work at Sarah Laurence University where she concentrated in theater and art. She went on to get a Masters of Fine Arts from U-Mass Dartmouth. Currently she is working on a second Masters degree in professional writing.

Renée teaches 2-D art class for children at The Attleboro Art Museum. Renée’s is showing a series of portraits that are a continuation of work that she did for her Masters thesis. She begins by drawing ballpoint pen portraits of friends and family members and then evolves these portraits into layered, mixed media pieces that often include text. Renée draws her subjects while they are relaxed, napping or watching TV. She doesn’t want them to look posed. “It means more to me to draw people I know,” Renée says. “I think about them and their lives and try to go beyond observational drawing.” Renée sees drawing and writing as the most immediate forms of self-expression.

The World’s Smallest Art Gallery is:

A kiosk on the South County Bike Path (http://southcountybikepath.org). It is located in Peace Dale where the bike path crosses Route 108. The kiosk is a beautifully designed and built structure that has two display cases. Each measures 42” X 41” x 2”. The cases are weatherproof and have sturdy locks.

A joint project of Hera Gallery (http://heragallery.org) and Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc. (http://www.peacedale.net).

A place to show your artwork. Hera Gallery will be managing the kiosk as a place for artists to display their work. You may have a six-week, one- person show in the kiosk on a first come, first serve basis. Work is not juried, but must be “family friendly.” Artists are asked to choose work that does not depict nudity, sexuality or violence. Neither Hera Gallery nor PDNRI will insure the work. Artists display work at their own risk.

A way of having your work seen by a lot of people. The bike path has very heavy traffic, especially during the Spring, Summer and early Fall. Many bikers, runners and walkers pass by every hour. There will not be sales from the Kiosk, but your display can include your contact information. Hera Gallery will publicize The World’s Smallest Gallery on its website, blog, and Constant Contact mailings. A Facebook page will be developed.

A way to beautify the community. The stretch of the bike path where the kiosk is located contains other artwork including murals, sculpture, mosaics, and landscape architecture. The World’s Smallest Art Gallery will add to the beautification of this area.

John Kotula is the coordinator of this project for Hera Gallery. If you are interested in showing your artwork on the bike path contact John at johnkotulapchn@yahoo.com to get more details and to schedule a show.