LAURIE HARDEN'S COLORS OPENS @ SPEAKEASY GALLERY

COLORS
paintings by Laurie Harden

WHEN: opening Friday, November 5, 6–9 PM. The Show will be up through the Holidays. 
WHERE: Speakeasy Gallery, 816 Main St., Boonton

Laurie Harden has been exploring different techniques and modes of expression which have led to three new series. She likes to work in series as they prompt her to thoroughly explore a subject and to see where each new work will take her.   

She has tried to merge aspects of these series in order to continue her exploration. Laurie has always enjoyed painting colorful portraits, but has taken this style in a bolder and more dramatic direction.

The impulse to drip paint led to the joy of splattering canvases with acrylic paints and then painting oil portraits on top, while trying to integrate the abstraction and colors into the figure. Colors carry meanings, emotions and moods with them, so it was natural for Laurie to express a variety of emotions through her portraiture.

Ms. Harden has always tried to express the Universal Humanity and Commonality of People. The Black Lives Matter movement gave impetus to the artist’s endeavor to express the emotions we all feel, while doing so in a colorful, dramatic way. 

Speakeasy Art Gallery is located in the Boonton Art District in New Jersey and began as an arts collective formed by Paul Jach in 2001. In 2009, Speakeasy Art went from pop up exhibits in New York City to a permanent gallery space on Boonton's Main Street.

The gallery showcases the work of local and international contemporary artists. The curators at the gallery offer art collectors and enthusiasts a playful mix of Hi Art with an edge and Lowbrow with masterful technique. Speakeasy Art Gallery insures that the art it exhibits possess inviting esthetics and a desire to explore new and original ideas. Owners Paul & Kristy Jach provide an accessible and welcoming environment to anyone with a passion for the arts.

Though Speakeasy Art is foremost a gallery space, it also serves the community with youth and adult art classes, professional custom picture framing, live performances, educational workshops and events.