The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is pleased to present a collaborative exhibit, entitled "Motion and Stillness", showcasing the artwork of artists Rocco Pisto ("Motion") and Debbie Grifka ("Stillness") now through September 22, 2024. An opening art reception will be held on Wednesday, September 11, from 6 - 8 p.m. that is free and open to the public.

Focused primarily on abstract watercolor painting, Rocco Pisto has spent over 50 years as an artist. His artwork displayed in the "Motion" exhibit reflects the way he creates his artwork. Pisto describes this process as "I attack each painting with somewhat reckless abandon, letting the emotional expression take over". His goal in doing this is to create spontaneous pieces where no two paintings are the same. Pisto earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Eastern Michigan University in 1974 and currently holds the position of President Emeritus of the Michigan Watercolor Society (MWCS) after serving for more than 10 years on the board in various positions. He also holds membership in the National Watercolor Society, the International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA), and the Brighton Art Guild. Currently based in Michigan, Pisto has exhibited in several galleries in Ohio, Michigan, and Arizona as well as won several awards for his artwork. More information about Rocco Pisto can be found online at www.roccopistopaintings.com.

Having fallen in love with fabric as a child, Debbie Grifka expressed that love as a garment maker, quilter, and now as a textile artist. Her current work explores mood and stillness using color, line, shape, and occasionally text. After working in black and white for several years, she has recently added a bit more color to her work while maintaining a limited color palette. Grifka's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally as well as published in several books and magazines. The "Stillness" exhibit resulted from her reaction to a fast-paced life. Grifka states, "This world spins so fast. Many of us feel as if we are just barely holding on. Let us stop - and breathe. I hope the stillness and calm of this work provides us with a few minutes for our souls to pause and be restored." More information about Debbie Grifka can be found online at https://debbiegrifka.com.

This art exhibit at The Gallery at Cherry Hill is free and open to the public during gallery hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.; during all public performances; or by special appointment arranged via email to [email protected].

The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, MI, 48187, is a regional center for the arts that offers the magic of live theatre, soul-stirring music, the thrill of dance, and the enjoyment of fine art exhibitions and events, in addition to providing a home for several cultural organizations and community groups. For more information about this latest exhibition, please call 734/394-5300 or visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org.