Virtual gallery Mike’s Art Truck, in cooperation with the Orange County Arts Commission, is presenting an exhibit of new paintings by local self-taught artist Sam Ezell in Orange County’s Richard E. Whitted Building, April 10 through June 15, 2017. The Whitted Building, located at 300 W. Tryon Street in Hillsborough, features an exhibit space on the second floor, outside the large public meeting room.
“Abstract Vision” is a collection of Sam Ezell’s latest paintings in his surprising new style. The Hillsborough artist is well-known for his simple cheerful images of happy times and mayonnaise jars. Lately Ezell has taken off in a new direction, painting large canvases with bright geometric shapes. Facing some challenges with his eyesight, Ezell had begun to find it difficult to paint his smaller more detailed pieces. Worried that he might have to give up painting, he experimented with sizes, shapes, and colors that were easier for him to see, and these new abstract paintings are the result. They are clearly the work of an artist who is happiest when he paints.
Mike’s Art Truck is an artist-focused business, run by Hillsborough residents Greg and Karen Mack, which promotes living self-taught artists. Referred to as a “virtual” gallery, Mike’s Art Truck has no permanent display space. Instead art is shown and sold on their website and through cooperation with the owners of existing exhibition space. For more information or to purchase art, visit www.mikesarttruck.com.
The public is welcome to enjoy the gallery in the Whitted Building during County operating hours and also during scheduled calendar events, such as meetings of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Visitors should enter the building on the ground floor and take the elevator to the second floor. Art exhibits in this space are coordinated by the Orange County Arts Commission, www.artsorange.org.
The Whitted Building exhibit space is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, as well as evenings or weekends during scheduled events. Admission and parking are free.
Photos by Karen Mack, artwork by Sam Ezell