Panel Discussion on Abstract Art

Panel Discussion with the Artists

"Formalist Ex-Patriots: Does Cape Cod Still Support All Artists?"

Saturday, May 9, 3:00 pm 

Free with Museum Admission, but seating is limited; Call 508-385-4477, ext. 20 to reserve your seat. 

Peggy River, Instructor, Berkshire Community College and Richard Neal, artist and CCMoA Trustee, will moderate.

Not only will this panel discussion provide an opportunity for the Formal Aspects' artists to discuss their work, but also it will raise questions about the very definition of art, and the place of non-figurative art in a regional area such as Cape Cod. This form of expression can be most difficult for the viewer to understand – the underlying concepts, the intention of the artist, and the choices of mark-making media.  Very often, people may write it off as too simplistic or without discernible meaning, when, in fact, it can be just as meaningful, contemplative, and moving as more traditional forms of art. All of these "ex-patriot" artists have deep ties to Cape Cod, but have found that their artistic life has required them to spend most of their time away from here. Join us for an insightful, provocative and informative dialogue about contemporary art and culture on – and off — Cape Cod!

A professional artist and art educator, Peggy River's career spans more than three decades since her first show as a student at Humboldt State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in studio art. In 1989 she moved to New York, earning a Master of Fine Arts in painting from Columbia University. A prolific artist, Rivers has taught on many university and college campuses; and her award-winning art is in public and private collections through the country.

Richard Neal is a painter and sculptor working at Chalkboard Studio in Barnstable. Originally from the Maryland and DC area he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and a Master of Fine Arts from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. His work has been exhibited in many group and one-person shows and is included in numerous private collections and also included in the permanent collection of the Cape Cod Museum of Art.