Cheryl Larson and Faythe Mills featured in Duo Art Exhibition at Central Square

A duo exhibition featuring the works of local artists Cheryl Larson and painter Faythe Mills will splash the walls of Central Square’s art gallery with vivid color beginning May 4 and continuing through June.

This exhibit will be a first for Larson who is also the executive director of Central Square. “My Central Square colleagues asked me to consider this exhibit, which was flattering, but also terrifying,” Larson says. She added, “When I hesitated, they recommended a duo exhibit with Faythe, and I immediately knew I couldn’t say no. I have always respected Faythe as an artist and a friend; to share the exhibit with her is an absolute honor.”

Larson has always had a creative mind and artistic ability; however, she didn’t get serious about her visual artistry until she found the perfect medium: alcohol ink, a relatively newer abstract art technique. Alcohol ink is dye-based permanent ink that is activated by using 91 percent rubbing alcohol. The colors are bright and give the illusion of stained glass. The ink is used on a non-porous paper called Yupo.

A jewelry designer, Larson is accustomed to intricate and creative work. “Applying intense colors and achieving deep color saturation, while staying fluid with my design suits me. Alcohol ink art is a medium that allows me to do this,” Larson says. 

Her gorgeous, vivid paintings seem to evoke spring and summer, with their bright, swirling colors and watery effects. The color palette ranges from sunny yellow tones to pale blue and violet hues, including notes of orange and bursts of burgundy—perhaps an ode to the inimitable evening light in Lake Minnewaska sunsets. 

Her unique style of creating flowing abstract compositions captures the beauty of the inks in a stunning way. A strong sense of decorative understanding is also evident in her works, with flowers presented more as motif than detail or still life. 

“I am overjoyed and feeling blessed to share the work I’ve created, and our beautiful venue in which to do so,” Larson says

Best known as a fine artist, Faythe Mills works in several mediums: pastels, watercolor, inkwash, pencil and acrylic. Her work explores nature, particularly animals, as well as daily life as seen at home and around the globe. In addition to her artwork, she has also illustrated eleven children’s books.

Mills work creates an invitation to pause and reflect, to take a time-out and become aware of the nuances of our surroundings and bend an ear to the natural world.

This exhibit of Mills’ paintings will feature pieces influenced by the culture and palette of Teacapan Mexico, where Mills owns a small “casa.” In these works, she explores the shapes and layers of the city’s streets and culture, creating colorful and striking paintings that are vibrant representations of the life there. Her paintings connect the viewer to the tangible and intangible aspects of life and nature.

“As I take my morning walks through our small fishing village, the people and nature are so captivating. My hope is by recreating these scenes the observer will also appreciate what inspired me,” says Mills.

Reception is May 4

The exhibit opens on May 4, with a 5:30 p.m. reception on May 14, and runs through the end of June. The reception is free and open to the community.