Beyond: Michelle Barillaro
July 2-30, 2021
Beyond: Michelle Barillaro
Opening reception: Friday, July 2, 5:00-9:00 PM
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM – 5 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, July 5.
In this new exhibition, Michelle Barillaro features paintings on wood with acrylics or oil & cold wax. Each medium lends itself to different techniques for layering and subtracting paint with household tools and brushes until the perfect composition is realized.
Born in Gainesville, FL in 1969, she moved to South Florida and essentially grew up on the beach, which deeply instilled her love for the saturated colors and tranquility of this tropical environment. The built environment also enticed Barillaro, and she moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee’s School of Architecture. After completing her degree, she stayed in East Tennessee and absorbed its natural beauty. While in college, Barillaro took multiple ceramics courses and honed her sketching and drawing skills related to architecture. Just two years ago, she took an eight-week workshop on mixed media at her local community art center and felt the passion for creating – specifically painting – reignited. Abstracts have always been a constant, whether they feel soft and moody, linear and architectural, or suggest a sea or landscape. She paints the recognizable colors of Florida and the suggestion of the hills of Tennessee. Abstracts allow the viewer to see something related to their own personal experiences and dreams.
The exhibitions are on display at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, in downtown Knoxville. The Emporium is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, July 5. For more information, please see www.knoxalliance.com or call (865) 523-7543.