Stokes County Arts Council - 500 Main Street  - Danbury, NC 27016  - 336-593-8159  - www.stokesarts.org

The Stokes County Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibit of original paintings by artist Kenneth Laird in the Apple Gallery. A meet and greet is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 from 4:30pm-6:00pm in the Apple Gallery of the Stokes County Arts Council, 500 Main Street Danbury, NC. By merging traditional painting techniques with digital tools, Laird creates giclée printed and traditional abstract works that offer unique depth and textures. “The physicality of pallet knife work and the layering of paint are juxtaposed with the precision and versatility of digital photographic manipulation, resulting in pieces that are rich in both tradition and innovation,” he explained. This combination not only allows for greater freedom in experimentation, but it also opens new possibilities for how nature can be represented, interpreted, and experienced in contemporary art. In his works, he combines mixed media, including dust powders of gold and silver, along with burnishing, raw, and distressed wood and other materials. He then uses Photoshop to merge the traditional media photographed with digitally manipulated content to create his imagery. This exhibit will be on display May 16-June 30, 2025 in the Apple Gallery. The Stokes County Arts Council is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday, 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm. For additional information about the exhibit, please contact the Stokes County Arts Council at (336) 593-8159 or visit www.stokesarts.org.