EXHIBIT: Release
ARTIST: Denny McCoy
DATES: 11 February – 27 March 2010
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, 11 February 2010, 6 – 8 pm
CLASSICAL GUITAR PERFORMANCE BY STEVE KOSTELNIK & CASUAL GALLERY TALK BY DENNY McCOY: Saturday, 20 February 2010, 1 pm

d berman gallery is pleased to present Release, an exhibit of vibrant new paintings by Denny McCoy. Using a newly bright palette, Mr. McCoy continues his exploration of visual perception and the emotional and physical effects of color and spatial relationships. Mr. McCoy lives and works in Wimberley, Texas.

He says: “Many artists describe their work as an exploration that may reference a particular subject matter or idea, created in a way that reflects a thoughtful and studied approach. I try to work at not knowing what I'm doing. During many years of painting, I have gained a certain pattern of understanding and judgment that is at odds with my hope of exploring unseen areas. It is the letting go of this accumulated knowledge and decision making process that I find necessary to be in that place where I am most capable of not knowing what I'm doing. To separate myself from my experience is foolish, but to see it as not relevant to making future judgments is required. Two years ago I experienced a great loss, and as a consequence of this major life change I reevaluated many of my beliefs and understandings. I consider the work I do to be of the highest value to me, and yet at the time I am painting it is essential for me to know that it really is of no value at all; that it really doesn't matter. Since the loss I have felt a sense of release from many old attitudes and judgments and it occurs to me that now it really doesn't matter. That sense of release has opened the way to my being in that place of not knowing what I'm doing, and I believe that this body of work represents that (not) knowing.”

In lieu of a formal gallery talk for the show, the gallery will host a guitar performance by award-winning Austin musician Steve Kostelnik on Saturday, 20 February at 1pm. Come enjoy the music and the paintings, and visit with Denny McCoy before and after the mini-concert.

Praised by Soundboard magazine for his lyrical playing and remarkable counterpoint, Steve Kostelnik has been a professional guitarist for more than 20 years. He has won top honors at several important competitions including the Naxos Prize at the Guitar Foundation of America International Guitar Competition, First Prize at the Music Teachers National Association Wurlitzer Collegiate Artist Competition, and First Prize at the Southwest Festival Guitar Competition. His highly acclaimed debut recording Steve Kostelnik Guitar Recital was released on the Naxos label in 1999. Dr. Kostelnik earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Southwest Texas State University, and the degrees of Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Texas at Austin where he studied with Adam Holzman. Dr. Kostelnik is professor of guitar at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and maintains a thriving private studio in Austin, Texas. During this past year, Dr. Kostelnik's students earned top honors in several national and international competitions. Dr. Kostelnik continues to collaborate with local arts organizations including the Austin Classical Guitar Society, Chamber Music Center of Austin, Texas Choral Consort, and independent musicians. He performs benefit concerts on behalf of charitable organizations and conducts educational outreach to targeted audiences, particularly retirees and young people.

d berman gallery
1701 Guadalupe Street
Austin, Texas 78701
512.477.8877
Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 - 6 & by appointment

For high-resolution images and other information to accompany these exhibitions, please see our press website at http://www.dbermangallery.com/press access page.htm. The press site includes links to both the current and upcoming shows. For any other information or materials, please email Anastasia Colombo at anastasia@dbermangallery.com.

d berman gallery is wheelchair accessible. Unless otherwise noted, all events and exhibits are open and free to the public.