First Thursday Art Opening: "Random Thoughts and Observations"

The Artist Within presents "Random Thoughts and Observations…fairly recent work by Bob Hartley" from February 2-25.  There will be an opening reception First Thursday, February 2nd from 5-8pm and the public is welcome to come meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

The variety of mediums explored in this exhibit is as random as the subject matter and reflects Hartley's eagerness to try whatever seems to interest him at the moment.  The local artist, art educator and studio owner explains his approach as "trying clear out some of the clutter in my mind".  He jokes that his wife would probably prefer that he "clear out the clutter" on his desk, in his closet and in the garage.  Bob further explains his random thoughts, "I'm sure everyone has had those nights when you are trying to fall asleep, but your mind is still going full throttle.  Eventually you have to deal with these thoughts.  It is sort of like deleting things on your computer to open up more space on the hard drive. I guess this show is my attempt to clean up my hard drive".

Some of the work reflects the artist's "thoughts and observations" from a period when his mother was staying in an independent living facility. The artist says that when it is the child's turn to care for the parent, it is important that the child maintain that same sense of humor that the parent had used to keep her sanity when caring for you.

It is Hartley's hope that the viewers will recognize some of his "random thoughts and observations" and have an "ah ha" moment as they identify with them.