Gallery 208, located in the corporate offices of Up & Coming Weekly at 208 Rowan Street, has welcomed artists from all walks of life since opening its doors. The gallery, which is a partnership with the Fayetteville Museum of Art, has hosted international artists, but there’s something special in hosting the works of one of Fayetteville’s own.{mosimage}
     On Thursday, April 16, the gallery will again throw open its doors for a grand party to celebrate the works of Silvana Foti, an artist and educator who calls Fayetteville home.
     Foti, originally from the midwest, graduated from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in 1978. She received her master’s in 1980, also from Notre Dame, with printmaking being her major area of study.
     These days, Foti can be found teaching at Methodist University, but you can also find her works in locations throughout the state.
     Traditionally, her works are collaged prints, enhanced with brass composition, hand printed through an intricate process of etching, intaglio and relief.
     In her artist’s statement, she notes, “Like Mondrian, I want to express in my work ‘What every artist seeks to express: harmony through equivalence of relationships of lines, colours and planes, but only in the clearest and strongest way.’ The images that emerge are meant to suggest my interpretation of a particular experience, emotion or idea.”
     She noted that “the imagery involves my fascination with the unique archietectural structures of Venice, Italy. My artistic goals traditionally and in “experimental” works is to create balance and harmony through th euse of basic design elements.”
     The party begins at 5:30 p.m. and will continue to 7 p.m. As is always the case with Up & Coming Weekly parties, there will be wonderful food and your favorite beverages.
     Spend some time becoming acquainted with the artist’s works and then hear her discuss them.
     The exhibit opening is free and open to the public. The works will remain on exhibit throughout the month of May. For more information, call 484-6200.