Shannon Niehus
Gert Johan Manschot
Gert Johan ManschotA Group Show featuring four Dallas Artists
Dallas, TX—May 25, 2010— Opening June 25, Ross Akard Gallery brings you ARTSHOWTEN, forming a unique collaboration and cementing the gallery’s reputation as a top space for contemporary art. Owner and Director, Bryan Embry opened Ross Akard Gallery inside the Fairmont Hotel in January, luring an impressive roster of local artists like museum-collected Daniel Blagg , Julie Lazarus, George Tobolowsky and Jeff Scott. The gallery is the first to open in the Dallas Arts District in more than a decade. http://www.rossakard.com
The gallery’s next endeavor is ARTSHOWTEN, a group show featuring new artworks by celebrated abstract surrealist, Sasso and three contemporary Dallas-based artists. Featured on PBS, published in the Iron Horse Literary Review and collected throughout the United States, contemporary artist Shannon Niehus unveils “Mercy” a trio of oil on masonite paintings as part of the “Continuum of Ecstasy” series. Emerging Dutch abstract symbolist, Gert Johan Manschot takes part in his first Dallas gallery show along with constructivism artist-architect, Glenn Comtois whose works are collected by Neiman Marcus and Texas Christian University. “I am excited about this merge of extremely talented artists all with differing styles yet tied together by very high quality and academic craftsmanship,” says Embry.
A lively panel discussion with the artists moderated by Nancy Cohen Israel will take place on, Saturday, July 10 at 10:00am. Up for discussion: “The future of contemporary art and its economies in Dallas.”
About the artists:
James Patrick Sasso’s whimsical works of art are based in symbolism. By incorporating themes like global warming his paintings are at once metaphoric inspiring change. Using a broad palette of vibrant colors viewers are immediately engaged. For over two decades, his mixed media on canvas and paper, sculpture—and even unlikely resources like cars—have enticed individual collectors and corporate clients all over the United States. He has worked for prominent clients and brands as varied as BMW, Volkswagen for separate publicity campaigns; Kodak; On The Border; and Starbucks. Sasso’s artwork has appeared on promotional t-shirts for R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction and Depeche Mode.
Born in the Netherlands, Gert Johan Manschot moved to Grapevine, Texas in 2006 where he unleashed his creative energy and love for modern art. He developed his own unique style of abstract gestural Zen-type painting and nude drawing as a member of the Flea’s Ear Studio in Grapevine. There he attended nude drawing classes by Ellen Soderquist. Attracted to clean lines and the abstract, his paintings draw inspiration from his travels, particularly spiritual retreats to Zen Buddhist and Sufi disciplines.
Glenn Comtois came to the realization at an early age that art should be touched as well as observed to appreciate every aspect of the composition. Thus, this tactile relationship has become a primary theme in his creation of art. Just as a sculptor meticulously shapes clay, Comtois obsesses over the structural components and surfaces of his paintings, encouraging viewers to feel the work as well as look at it.
With a Masters of Fine Art from Pratt, Shannon Niehus creates contemporary artworks in all mediums from her Design District studio and owns a private collection’s management business. The curatorial dynamic of the Garza Private Collection directed by Shannon Niehus/Artworks LLC positions the viewer to experience the American and Russian cultural phenomenon pertaining to the Cold War. Three of the major styles this democratic collection provides are: American Abstract Expressionism, Social Realism (American) and Sots Art (Soviet Nonconformist Art from the Russian Underground.) The contrast between these styles importantly highlights two country's provocatively adaptive pursuits and functions of personal and national liberty and independence.
About the Gallery:
Ross Akard Gallery was established in January 2010 by Bryan Embry formerly a venerable financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. Following his artistic passion, Embry delved full-time into the art world eventually recognizing the need for an art gallery in the heart of the dynamic and evolving Dallas Arts District. Featuring 20-foot ceilings and custom-designed rotating walls, the gallery is the perfect stage for artwork ranging from paintings to sculpture from emerging to mid-career contemporary artists with an emphasis on local artists. Embry is the first to follow the Good Returns business model in the art industry. For the period of one year, the gallery’s profits are invested into non-profit organizations specifically targeted to the impact of the arts on children.
ARTSHOWTEN Opening Reception with the artists, Friday, June 25 at 6pm. Ross Akard Gallery is located at 1717 North Akard Street in the Fairmont Dallas. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am – 2:00pm & 4:00pm – 7:00pm For appointments call: 972-743-5895
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