December 30, 2008 | DoNArTNeWs

Two different artists named Patricia installed a fabulous collection of atmospheric naturalistic paintings by Trish O’Halloran and abstract expressionist works by Pat Burns creating a wonderfully stimulating atmosphere in Da Vinci Art Alliances gallery. This was not the first time the two Patricias teamed up to put on a show; their palettes, technique and compositions complement and accent each other’s ouvre.

Trish O’Halloran‘s odalisque perfectly complements Pat Burns abstract canvas; the two paintings hanging together vibrate with the intensity of similar color and brushwork. This grouping is a good example of the point of the show – that abstract and naturalistic art both evoke emotional responses in the viewer.

Pat Burns‘ small abstracts at Da Vinci Art Alliance.

Trish O’Halloran before one of her paintings at Da Vince Art Alliance’s Particia’s Times Two. Apologies to Pat Burns, the photo DoN took has you with your eyes closed, my bad.

Painting by Trish O’Halloran. O’Halloran teaches art at the Main Line Art Center.

Art by Rwandan artists was also on display and for sale as a fundraiser and consciousness-raiser. The exuberant paintings are poignant and emotional depicting life in war-torn Africa – there must be something we can do to help? Da Vinci is selling the works to raise funds to send back to the artists in Rwanda.

The Plastic Club’s annual member’s exhibit brought out the best in the historic art club’s world class creations; from oils, to drawings, to watercolors to digital media, the Plastic Club allows each member to enter two pieces which were then juried and honored with awards. The receptions at the Plastic Club are always fun and with the new six burner stove in the basement kitchen Bob Jackson’s monthly dinners are extra special.

The Winners of the Plastic Club’s annual Members Exhibit.

Members works at the Plastic Club’s Members Exhibit (that’s DoN‘s oil painting of Bartram’s Garden on the right)

Panoramic shot of the Plastic Club’s gallery/studio on the second floor of the historic space.

Watercolor by Anders Hansen @ Plastic Club Members exhibit.

The Plastic Club offers free membership to several student artists each year. John Baccile, an undergrad at the University of the Arts, won first prize for one of his digital compositions (not this one). The digital collages are printed on canvas and truly stood out from the crowd with vivid color, original compositions and masterful computer manipulation. UArts is DoN‘s alma mater, it’s gratifying to see wonderful new talent continuing to thrive on the Avenue of the Arts.