We attempt to vary the feel of our exhibits in the Lawrence Gallery at SVWC, and the show that opens on Friday, Jan. 10, will be distinctive for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it features watercolors by one artist, and photography by a second artist. Additionally, their subject matter tends toward the rustic and rural, a noticeable departure from most of our displays.

Scott Saylor, a native of Virginia, is a fine art photographer who attended the Corcoran School of Art inWashington D.C. and received a BFA in photography. He then attended Virginia Commonwealth University, earning an MFA in Photography. Saylor taught Fine Arts/Photography in the Fairfax County school system until he retired in 2018. His work concentrates on travel and adventure on roads less traveled, creating visual storytelling. He has roamed through 27 different states and 14 National Parks. His photographs draw you in, to places from a now silent, bygone era. Scott uses a hand applied process called Dass Art Image Transfer to perfect his bold, vintage images.

Artist Danny Mulvena was born in Niagara Falls, NY, and believes his Irish/Catholic upbringing may account for some of the melancholy, dark humor and celebration of very simple things he portrays. He attended Alfred University for two years before embarking on a painting career. While painting, Mulvena says the process becomes his fantasy world for a while. He lives in the piece while it's being created, feeling the heat or cold, happiness, or sadness. The compliment he most appreciated was that someone thought they could smell what it was like in the scene. His watercolors are earthy and timeless.

“Curious Quirks in Everyday Illusions” will be on display from Jan. 10 through March 6. An artists’ reception takes place Friday from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Guests are welcome to view the work any day between 8:30a.m. - 7 p.m. For further information, contact Kitty Zuckerman, SVWC’s Marketing Communications Specialist and the Art Committee Staff Liaison, at 540-665-5915.