Sumi-e Paintings by Alison Starr at Reflection Gallery in October

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host "Breath of the Brush," an exhibition of sumi-e paintings by Minnesota artist Alison Starr, from October 4 to October 27, 2012.

An opening reception for the artist will take place at the gallery on Thursday, October 4, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

Starr, a professional musician turned artist, combines in her artwork her love for music and the outdoors. She says her paintings express her goal for "chi," a mystical energy force created by a perfect balance of self and nature.

Starr uses the ancient techniques and tools of China to create contemporary pieces of art work. Her paintings are steeped with her love of nature, both in the Chinese brush paintings created in her studio and her watercolor impressions painted on location.

Starr has studied with numerous national and international masters of her trade. Now almost 80, she enjoys teaching her craft to school children and art groups through workshops in Duluth, Minn. She has shown her work nationally and internationally in both juried and solo shows.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia's Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan Street, Hancock, MI 49930.

For additional information, call 906-487-7500 or e-mail finlandiareflectiongallery@gmail.com.

Photo cutlines:  Artwork by Alison Starr