Current Gallery Exhibit: Joe Tucker
Joe Tucker once dreamed of being a toy designer and then in his thirties his dream changed— he wanted a career in the arts. Determined, he obtained an art education certification through the School of Visual Arts in New York City and has been teaching art and creating art ever since. Joe lives with his family in Dorset, Vt. and teaches art in New York City Schools.
“I spend eight hours a week on the thru-way,” Tucker quips. “It was a personal search,” he says of his diverse resume.
Perhaps that’s what his former work, his current artistic work, and even the joy he finds in teaching have in common: the search, the reach, the expansion, and—ultimately— the discovery.
The show will be on display 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily from Friday, May 18 until Monday, June 11, 2012.
The first thing that visitors to the gallery will notice is that much of Tucker’s work is abstract. Most striking among his pieces are bright watercolors with blocks or islands of color.
“My current approach to making art encompasses a primal understanding of color and the creative process as well as a desire to inform, expand, and remind the viewer of additional artistic possibilities,” Tucker says.
But not all of Tucker’s pieces are as free as the watercolors. He also works in oils and acrylics.
"I work very graphically, as well, and I hope the artwork is eclectic, in a sense. It represents my journey to this point," Tucker says
Tucker is concerned with his own journey and the journey of the viewer, certainly. But he also takes great pleasure in teaching and being a witness to the search and discovery his student’s experience.
“I see a lot of kids discover their vision in the art room, so that’s pretty rewarding for me,” Tucker says.
Tucker has pledged to donate 10 percent of proceeds of sales of his artwork during the exhibit to the BOMA project (bomaproject.org). The project was started by Vermont Neighbor Kathleen Colson.
“The project's mission is to improve the ability of women in Africa to earn their own income,” Tucker says.
