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    Reinterpret the line at Fayetteville Museum of Art’s latest exhibit, Energy of a Line opening Nov. 7 and running through Jan. 11, 2009. The premiere party is Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and is free to the public. Artists will comment on their large-scale works that through depth and layering bring to life linear dimensions. The exploration of the physical manifestations of a line provides insight to the structure and chaos of art. Whether implied or stated, artists Jason Craighead, Gerry Lynch and Seth Hicks will deconstruct the line.
    {mosimage}Craighead is a Raleigh-based artist whose work Metro Magazine described as “conjuring up ghosts of everyone from Motherwell to Franz Kline to Cy Twombly.” This exhibit will feature a collection of at least three 64 x76 inch works on canvas, and six 22 x 30 inch works on paper that Craighead states are “passionate and emotionally charged, an evolving exploration of line and space, from scribble to scrawl.” Craighead is grateful for the opportunity that Executive Director Tom Grubb and Curator Michele Horn have extended; Craighead also displayed work at the museum’s satellite at the offices of Up & Coming, Gallery 208. “I can’t think of another museum I’d rather show in first more than the Fayetteville Museum of Art — I’m appreciative of the museum giving me another opportunity as I move forward. This really feels like good, forward motion.”
    When asked about his continually evolving work, Craighead said his work was “the ultimate transitional moment for me. And I feel these pieces are representative of that transition. I’m beginning to have a more philosophical approach to my work…I’m detaching from ‘things’, finding space and creating rhythm, letting my work become the pure thing that it is. With less fear comes more freedom.” Craighead is also thrilled to be placed alongside artists Lynch and Hicks. Lynch is an “artistic hero” of his and was blown away by her work when he discovered her 10 years ago.
    Located in Apex, N.C., Lynch’s fiery mixed-media works are inspired by “Asian calligraphy, primarily Arabic script, haute couture, mainly Christian Dior, all the great ‘50s abstract expressionists, and contemporary artists such as Cai Guo-Qiang, who makes drawings using explosives.”
    Lynch’s works take a personal look at what is often depersonalized; “Five of the paintings are named for the birth dates of members of my family, and these paintings, in one way or another, suit the character or personality of the person. For instance, the painting titled Tony, February 1963 resembles the line and movement of my son’s personal signature.” Remaining humorous on her age Lynch finds it “a kick to be in a show with two young guys.” Lynch doesn’t seem to take herself too seriously, for her advice for young artists is “marry a rich man (or woman) who has a generous heart.” Lynch also greatly admires her co-exhibitors’ works; the first time she saw one of Jason Craighead’s paintings, she felt the “fission of excitement when one knows they are in the presence of something special.” In addition, years ago Lynch bought one of Hick’s sculptures for its “simplicity and power.” {mosimage}
    Rounding out the exhibit is celebrated sculpturist Seth Hicks showcasing his varied interpretations of the line — large-scale works and small-scale sculptures that playfully depict in daring black and white statements or subtly in distressed structures. The focus of geometrical objects in his work reinforces a clinical look at the line that his bold color choices never leave cold and calculated.
    Find more information about the Energy of a Line exhibit at www.FayettevilleMuseumArt.org or by calling 910-485-5121. If you miss the opening on Nov. 7, catch the exhibit for free during the museum’s normal operating hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.