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Member artist Linda Brennan will be the Featured Artist at the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery during February and March. Brennan has been a member of the Natchitoches Art Guild since 2008. She and her husband recently retired here, moving from Michigan. Five years ago, while passing through, they fell in love with Natchitoches – the quaintness of the town, the history of the area, the many cultural and social activities year-round, and especially the people. She says, “We stopped for a meat pie, and bought a house!”
Linda Stokesbury Brennan was a graphic designer for many years, including 10 years with the Michigan Education Association. Recently retired, she co-founded Tria Design and Marketing, a print- and web-design firm in Michigan. Her career included proficiency in illustration, logo design and web design. She worked with clients across the US and around the world including Ghana, Russia and the Cayman Islands.
A noted artist, Brennan has exhibited in galleries, exhibitions and competitions, has won numerous awards in juried competitions, and has works in private collections across the US. She is included in the Detroit Institute of Arts slide bank and Registry of Michigan Artists. Her art activities through the years have included workshop instructor, critique leader and juror. She is also past president of the Mid-Michigan Art Guild and a member of the Natchitoches Art Guild. Brennan is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a BA in Graphic Design and Advertising.
Reflecting her versatility as an artist, she is proficient in a wide variety of media, but regardless of the medium or subject matter, her work is always bold in design and color. She says, "I love working from life, whether I’m doing a realistic representation, or an abstract expression of the same. I’m always interested in composition, color and contrast. But most important, I believe no matter what the artist may have been trying to convey, the viewer’s response is the most important part of the equation. For that reason, I’ve always avoided an overly involved ‘Artist’s Statement.’ For the most part, I think a work of art has to stand on its own. The artist may have had a specific intention in mind, but that may or may not be what a viewer perceives. Any particular work of art may speak to each viewer in a different way, due to the experience and sensibility each person brings to the encounter, and the ability of the artist to convey his or her message. Whatever the viewer’s reaction, it is a true and valid interpretation for that person, and is really what fine art is all about. If extensive verbalization is required to explain the work, perhaps that person should have been an author rather than an artist!” Linda Brennan’s exhibit begins February 2nd in the Natchitoches Art Gallery on Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, and will remain on display through the end of March. A wine and hors d’oeuvres Open House Reception will be held on Saturday, February 20th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in her honor. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come by the Gallery for the open house and often during this special exhibit. CELEBRATE ART! |
