The Human Form: Creating a Narrative

The human figure has always been an important subject throughout art history.  Over the centuries, artist interpretations of figures have varied even though the human form itself has not changed.  Each artist responds differently to the body; for some a celebration of beauty others a statement representing a deeper emotion.  Unlike a still life or a landscape, which can have an impersonal feel, an image of the human form cannot help but evoke connection with the viewer. Barnstone Gallery, continuing with their series in art and education, will feature figurative works from three local artists; A. Martin Campos, Roslyn G. Epstein and Barbara Grant.  All are graduates of The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The show opens with a First Friday Reception on Friday, April 2 from 5 - 8pm.  The show remains at Barnstone through May. Admission is free and all art is available for sale.

Arcenio Martin Campos attended New Mexico State University for studio arts, and then the University of New Mexico for studies in art history. He began drawing on his own as a child, and between schools acquired much of his fine art education from independent study and private instruction in the human figure.  A recent graduate from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, he is currently searching for stories for the figures he’s drawn over the course of his life.

When Roslyn G. Epstein holds a piece of charcoal, a paintbrush, or lump of clay in her hands, she is grateful to be able to create a physical form that expresses her current life or articulate her previous experiences. Her work is about the female form; large, organic forms reflecting change and renewal. Personal history, struggles, joys, physical injuries and illnesses are somewhere on the paper or within her forms.

Barbara Grant is an honors graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She has received many prestigious awards for her paintings including the J. Henry Schiedt Traveling Scholarship, The Thouron Prize for composition, the Robert Ricker Memorial Prize for landscape, The Cadwalader Prize for portraiture from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and the Samuel S. Fleischer "Challenge Exhibition" sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mother of two, grandmother of five, her work now resides in the permanent collection of the State Museum of Pennsylvania as well as numerous private and corporate collections. Barbara lives and works in Charlestown Township, Chester County, PA.

Seated in the upper levels of an historic Chester County barn, Barnstone Gallery represents a delightful meeting of new and old. Built in 1824, the barn retains many of its original features and old-world charm, including its massive, light-filled cathedral entryway, exposed beam structure, stonewalls, and wide plank floors. The historic surroundings, punctuated with contemporary collectibles, make Barnstone a one-of-a-kind gallery experience.

Currently offering work from more than 50 contemporary American artists.  In addition to painting and sculpture, Barnstone sells a full complement of original creative arts including glass, ceramics, paper, wood and jewelry. 

Barnstone Gallery events are free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12 – 6, Friday and Saturday from 10 – 4.  First Friday Receptions from 5 – 8pm.                                                                                       

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