Upstairs Artspace is pleased to announce the opening of a show that offers gallery visitors the opportunity to see, through different mediums and with two distinct philosophies, what an artist sees beneath the façade of a person or object. Mixed media artist Barbara Rehg and photographer Owen Riley Jr. bring attention to the detail that defines what lies beneath the surface with the intention of opening our eyes to new understanding. The opening reception for the revelatory exhibits takes place at the Upstairs, Saturday, August 2, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

“Both Riley and Rehg are interested in processes that result in revelation, most especially Riley, who embraces the extremely laborious, dirty and imperfect 19th century process of wet-plate colloidon photography,” said Nancy Holmes, who is a member of the Upstairs exhibit committee chaired by artist, Margaret Curtis.

Riley is a Greenville, S.C. based artist and teacher. He holds a 2010 MFA in Visual Arts/Photography from Clemson University, did post graduate work in journalism at The University of Georgia’s Henry Grady School of Journalism and received his bachelors degree in Art from Berry College.

In addition to the two exhibits upstairs, the downstairs gallery will have “On the Mark: a Drawing Marathon” that includes drawings from drawing marathons organized by Rehg. Although there are many variations on this theme, the marathons are multi-artist events that focus on the various processes of drawing. These events can go for hours or days. The Upstairs Artspace will host such a marathon during the exhibit, with time to be determined. Watch this space for further information.

The three exhibits run until Friday, Sept. 12.

The Upstairs Artspace is a non-profit art gallery whose mission is to develop an understanding and appreciation of contemporary art and craft forms through exhibits, programs and educational activities that enrich the cultural life of the region. Its free programs are made possible through the support of the Polk County Community Foundation, the N.C. Council of the Arts and the generous support of its members. The gallery is located at 49 S. Trade St. For additional information: 828-959-2828.