[2009.08.19] Wednesday, August 19 at 6:30 an artist reception for Janell O'Rourke "Nature Spirits" was held at the Patchogue Theater Lobby.

Ms. O’Rourke’s recent work is an intimate portrayal of animals.  The spirit of each subject is expressed within an abstraction of their environment or as caught as a moment in time.  The artist finds inspiration for her works through current events, books and films.

Ms. O’Rourke has successfully exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions throughout the U.S. She is currently exhibiting at Kentler International Drawing Space, the show entitled “Degrees of Density” will travel to the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock.  Janell is creating illustrations for a book of essays entitled “Paul Bunyan Lives, and Other News from the Natural World” and a book of poetry, “Robin’s Egg Blue,” by Thomas Saya.  She is also working on a video and sound installation entitled “Caged Lives Fractured,” in collaboration with Vincent J. Evans. As an artist who lives and works in Queens NY, Ms O’Rourke is a recent recipient of the Individual Artist Initiative awarded by the Queens Council on the Arts.

The Lobby Gallery will feature her work until September 24. More of Ms. O'Rourke's work can be seen at the up-coming Patchogue Arts Biennial, October 3rd - 24th, she will be one of the 44 artists exhibiting at 225 W. Main Street, Patchogue in Briarcliffe College’s 12,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall.