PRESS RELEASE: (Martha's Vineyard) The Louisa Gould Gallery is pleased to present, “ Gretchen Feldman (1934-2008)”. This Vineyard retrospective of over 25 works showcases the serene side of island life, and summer pastimes and a later brighter and bolder abstract series. This show will be on exhibit until September 24, with a Reception on Saturday, September 5, from 5 to 7pm. Please join Gretchen's family and enjoy light fare, refreshments, and live music.

Feldman became a water color painter as a result of her visits to the Vineyard in the 1970s. “We are surrounded by water and so I would like to become a watercolor painter.” She realized this goal, in part, as she painted from her favorite locations; her studio, and surrounding up-island areas. This show is of Feldman’s earlier watercolors of people and architecture within the Vineyard landscape. Each of theses pieces brings the viewer into a moment of island life. Whether a stroll through the fishing village of Menemsha or a quiet moment in a summer cottage, one immediately feels the beauty and peace of 'our' island home. The palette of the Vineyard watercolors is softer than the other works in the show. She creates a narrative of life not only of summers on the island, but universally of people and places that we call home. These beautiful watercolors of landscapes and people are timeless.

In addition, this exhibit provides a sampling of some of Gretchen's later abstract landscapes and abstract block paintings. These later works are much brighter and bolder. “Baby Block” and “Stonewall” create a narrative for the viewer not only in terms of line and form but color and shapes. This show and works provide a sampling of the life long career of a dedciated and talented artist.

Born in Philadelphia in 1934, to an academic family, Feldman was raised in Baltimore and attended The Park School, attended Swarthmore College, and graduated from Gaucher College in Baltimore. With husband Sam Feldman, she raised her family in Baltimore and worked as a textile conservator, and later moved to the Vineyard to surround herself with an exquisite garden sanctuary in Chilmark. Views of sea, sky, pond and rolling hills flooded Feldman’s home and art studio with inspiration and an ever changing palette. At age 73, she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, yet she continued to paint her “Cell Series”, which can be viewed on her website.

Gretchen Feldman’s work has been shown extensively, including the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, the Carol Craven Gallery and the Martha's Vineyard Art Association (a.k.a., “Old Sculpin Gallery”), and the Nevin Kelly Gallery in Washington, D.C. Purchased pieces have enlivened many a personal collection all over the country.

Louisa Gould Gallery is located at 54 Main Street is the heart of the Vineyard Haven cultural historic distrcit. To view the online show please visit louisagould.com and call the Gallery for directions at (508) 693.7373.