WORDS Caroline Rosen PHOTOS Jonathan Kohn
As the Cloverdale neighborhood continues to grow with new restaurants, bars, shops and condos, the Stonehenge Gallery on 1048 East Fairview is growing with it. “Activity breeds activity,” says Joel Sidney Kelly, one of two featured artists at this month’s Stonehenge show. Kelly has been painting portraits since “Pope John Paul II passed away,” and has thoughts on activity could not be truer. “We use to see a huge decline in the summertime in our gallery,” said Madison Faile, Kelly’s protégé and the other artist featured at the show, “but we’re seeing more and more people here throughout the Summer. We wanted this show to be one that was exciting.”
Kelly and Faile’s work will be displayed as one of Stonehenge’s ongoing second Thursday gallery openings. The monthly events feature food from Michael’s table, open bar, and art ranging in price from $175 - $2,800. Stories and anecdotes from the artists are, as always, free.
"Damballah IV" Madison Faile
This particular show is special because of Kelly and Faile’s mentor/protégée relationship. After being introduced through a mutual friend, Kelly and Faile bonded over having attended the same high school, on art, and on footwear. Both attended ACA, both dress dapper, and both produce amazing work.
Now that they have worked together over the years, it’s interesting to see these gentlemen and the emergence of their styles. “I’m playing with images,” says Faile, describing his inspiration for the show as lots of materials, substance, layering, clowns, cats, palm trees, skulls and the use of purple. Think alchemy and art. Kelly is more classic, as his business is comprised of 90% commissioned portraiture work, and his work for this show has a theme of timeless settings. Think a rural feel with trains, times gone by, and pastoral scenes from Mayberry with lots of light.
Just from the descriptions, you can tell their styles are extremely different, but they share a common love of creating their own unique art. Kelly and Faile will be at Stonehenge tonight for their Gallery opening. From 5:30- until. Hope to see everyone there tonight. If you can’t make it this evening, the show continues for the rest of the month.
To stay in touch with all the happenings at Stonehenge, like their facebook page or visit their website www.stonehengeinc.com . To follow the artists you can find them on all these different social media options.
Madison Faile
Facebook: Madison Faile Fine Art
Website: http://www.madisonfaile.com/
Instagram: antiquetravler
Joel Sidney Kelly
Facebook: Joel Sidney Kelly, portraiteur
Website: http://joelsidneykelly.com/