INTO THE LIGHT The Rediscovered Paintings and Prints of Louise Leak

The greenhouse of Emily, Etching by Louise Leak

January 26–August 18, 2018

Join us for an evening of the arts as part of Artwalk Gainesville for the Opening Reception at the Historic Thomas Center Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm

American artist Virginia Louise Leak (1940–1977) spent her life in passionate pursuit of creative endeavor. The extraordinarily talented printmaker, painter and poet met an untimely death at age 37, leaving behind an abundance of artwork expressing her complex interior life. Leak’s sister, Gainesville resident Jane Myers, has amassed a large portion of the scattered body of work, including paintings only recently discovered after nearly forty years hidden among the stored belongings of a friend of the artist.
This exhibition showcases Leak’s work as a printmaker, from exquisite small prints to virtuoso major works. Along with paintings, sketches, and ephemera, the work affords an intimate glimpse into a young woman making her voice heard in the California art scene of the 1960s.

Doris Bardon, photo by Randy Batista

The Doris Bardon Gallery Dedication
The Doris Bardon Gallery dedication begins at 6:30 pm and includes a performance by musician Agapitus “Augi” Lye. In recognition of the generous endowment gift to the Gainesville Arts & Parks Foundation from the Arts Association of Alachua County, the Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery will be named The Doris Bardon Gallery in honor of the late arts leader. A woman of passion, intellect and talent, the late Doris Bardon was an author, musician, hotel and gallery owner, advocate for many causes and member of numerous civic boards, a number of which she helped found. The gallery’s inaugural exhibit will be the annual Alachua County Public Schools Visual Arts Program Showcase, which offers young artists the opportunity
to exhibit their work in this prestigious venue.