“Feng Shui Art,” an exhibition of artwork inspired by the discipline and created by local artist Leah McCloskey, made its debut in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
A total of 23 pieces done by McCloskey over the past six months will be shown now through Jan. 13 at Mimosa Gallery on Beekman Street in the Arts District. The opening reception for “Feng Shui Art” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 4 – 6 p.m., and the Asian themed event will include Saki, green tea, sushi and more.
McCloskey has been referred to as a “lyrical abstractionist,” and her work has received praise for pushing the borders of reality. She believes the placement of her work in a person’s home or office will activate positive energies.
“‘Feng Shui Art’ allows me to explore all kinds of imagery and combine my love of landscapes, color, and animals in an interconnected way,” McCloskey said. “Since I started painting and using Feng Shui images in my life there is a sense of magic and wonder in everything I create, giving it another purpose much grander then the images on the canvas.”
The 47-year-old painter works primarily in oil, but dabbles in mediums like acrylic, watercolor and collage too. Generally, her work is done on paper, canvas or wood, but McCloskey said she’ll paint on “whatever I can find.”
Despite embracing art even as a young child, she had no formal training until she went to college.
After graduating with a BFA from Syracuse University, McCloskey worked in the fashion industry for 15 years.
In 1996, she renewed her passion in her art and decided to study at the Art Students League in New York City, where she now works two days a week. These days, McCloskey splits her time between her job in NYC and her home in Schuylerville.
McCloskey’s work has been exhibited in numerous places such as the Small Works show at the Salander O’Reilly Gallery in NYC, The Belsky Museum in Nyack, and Gallery 100 in the Spa City. She has also been chosen to take part in Art Cares in NYC and Los Angeles, and RX Art in NY.
Although McCloskey has displayed pieces at Mimosa before, this is the first time she’s had an entire show at the gallery. “Feng Shui Art” also marks the first time she’s ever shown her animals, landscapes and goldfish all in the same show.
“I’m so excited. I think it’s going to be really beautiful,” McCloskey said. “This is going to be a different kind of show for Saratoga. I don’t paint like anybody in the area.”
The exhibition is free of charge, and open to the public. McCloskey said all the pieces are for sale.
For further information regarding “Feng Shui Art,” call 583-1163. To learn more about McCloskey, visit www.whatleahlikes.com.
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