Public welcome to attend 'Abstract' art gallery opening

SANDUSKY — For quite some time, Marsha Carrington has envisioned how an all-abstract exhibit would look at her gallery.Now, with works hanging throughout her studio, featuring 16 different artists from Cleveland to Los Angeles, she's got a much better idea — and she really likes it.Carrington Arts will unveil its newest exhibit, titled "Driven to Abstraction," on Friday. It's the first show for the 2018 season and 14th overall since opening on West Water Street in downtown Sandusky about three years ago.Dictionary.com provides a definition: "Abstract art seeks to break away from traditional representation of physical objects. It explores the relationships of forms and colors, whereas more traditional art represents the world in recognizable images."Carrington then explained her passion for abstract art."I love abstract art, yet it is an approach that I rarely take myself but appreciate," Carrington said. "I felt this would be a great theme to explore for the first show of 2018, which is the beginning of Sandusky's bicentennial."A work of art, called brain blankets, sits on display at Carrington Arts in downtown Sandusky. It's one piece in an exhibit called "Driven to Abstraction," and a special opening reception for the show takes place 6-9 p.m. Friday. The exhibit could serve as an eye-opener for those unfamiliar with this concept, Carrington contends."Abstract art fascinates me, and I have longed to explore it. I think abstract art can be misunderstood, as in, 'What does it mean?'" she said. "The magic in abstract art is held in the mark making, color, shape and forms. The art can be minimal, ordered or crazy active, and it can hold great feeling and emotion. It makes you think. It makes you question. And it can make you feel something."The show's participating artists — who hail from all across the country, including Sandusky, Vickery, Berlin Heights and Port Clinton — created pieces out of oil and acrylic paint, encaustic paint, textiles, glass, resin, digital art and repurposed materials."It is a dynamic show with a great variety of work and a delight for the eyes," Carrington said. "With all the snow and freezing temps, it will be a great place to get warm and cozy with friends and enjoy the art and unique, creative vision at this very happening gallery right here in downtown Sandusky."A piece of art made from recycled materials, such as cat food cans and toilet paper rolls, hangs on the wall at Carrington Arts in downtown Sandusky. It's one piece in an exhibit called "Driven to Abstraction," and a special opening reception for the show takes place 6-9 p.m. Friday.Want to go?What: "Driven to Abstraction," the newest show at Carrington ArtsWhere: Carrington Arts, 231 W. Water St., SanduskyWhen: A special opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m. Friday. The entire exhibit, meanwhile, is available through March 16.Cost: The show is free to attend.More: Call 419-621-7617 or visit facebook.com/marshagraycarringtonart for more information.Works of art hang on the wall for a new exhibit, "Driven to Abstraction," at Carrington Arts in downtown Sandusky. A special opening reception takes place 6-9 p.m. Friday.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.