Michael Allen at Home  Paintings, Drawings and Sketches: 1999-2005
May 20 thru June 18, 2005

Lynden Gallery presents a process collective of work by Michael Allen, opening Friday, May 20th with an Artist's Reception from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Furnace Mountain Band, a bluegrass/jamband trio. The exhibition continues through June 18th, and is free and open to the public.

MICHAEL ALLEN brings a unique approach to this exhibit, in that the collective is as much about the evolving process of his work as it is about the images themselves. Pulling from his immediate surroundings, the paintings and drawings are indicative of narrative, as the story unfolds and one delves deeper into the thread that leads from one into another.

"My art is observation… as a painter, I experience the incidents of life as a spectator. Once the first brush touches the canvas I am devoted to the history, sensation, air quality, smell and sound of my experience."   Michael Allen, 2005

The exploration of materials, experimentation of old masters' procedures bring a mixed bag of drawing and painting - the two processes melding and the line between them less fixed. Having graduated in 1996 from Kutztown University, Michael went on to gain national recognition for his drawings. Often large in format, the drawings were mixed media - a combination of graphite, pastel, charcoal and chalk. Moody and discerning, the imagery captured the often-overlooked structures and forms that surround us everyday. Architectural rooftops, steaming smokestacks and back alleys provided an austere backdrop for the artist.

"I find a refreshing, almost exciting vision in this somewhat somber treatment in black and white." Kenneth J. Endick, The Express-Times, Allentown, PA

The work began to shift as Michael continued his study at University of Delaware, working toward his masters of Fine Art which he achieved in 2004. An intimate shift occurred in the subject matter of his work. Everything from a just finished bowl of Cheerios, an empty strawberry basket from the market, and the half empty milk jug were meticulously executed on paper or in oil on canvas. A particularly stunning piece is a simple red mug, the reflection of red on the varnished table top under the stained ring.

"This is nature in close dialogue with architecture - and inside often seems the better place to be." James W. Scott, professor, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA.

This same time period brought Allen deeper into the realm of plein aire' painting, as he voyaged with regularity into the fog of the morning, the river mist, and ever-changing sky. Working mostly in oil on panel, the work again showed a deep understanding of structure, and more defined color development. Older paintings like Hopper's Light, included in this exhibit, are a bit more critical in their execution, and less about light and color. Seeing this series of paintings and drawings side by side allow for the viewer to experience the process of the artist's evolving work.

"Observing… we rethink the common landscape, finding joy - even magic - where once we saw stillness and emptiness." Leo Mazow, Penn State University, Curator of American Art

Michael Allen has exhibited at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE, the Susquehanna Art Museum, Harrisburg, PA, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA, Arlington Art Center, Arlington, VA, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Wilmington, DE, The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, OH, among others. His work is held in distinguished public and private collections, including Wiedenhammer Systems Corps, Wyomissing, PA, The Plantation Club, West Reading, PA, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, and the Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster, PA. His work has been included in national publications including New American Paintings and International Artist Magazine.

Lynden Gallery is located at 117 South Market Street, Downtown Elizabethtown and is open Tuesday through Friday 9:00 to 6:00, and Saturday 9:00 to 5:00 with evening hours by appointment. The gallery offers convenient parking and is handicap accessible. For more information, refer to our website www.lyndengallery.com or call 717.367.9236.