November 5-30, 2013

Hope & Feathers Gallery is thrilled to announce it will be showing the work of Vanessa Chakour. Now Brooklyn based, Chakour grew up in Amherst in a family of renowned musicians and educators. From November 5th – 30th, Chakour will exhibit select paintings and drawings from 2006-present

Abstract in nature, Chakour’s work incorporates “stream of consciousness” images and words. She releases thoughts, feelings and emotions onto her surfaces as a way of letting go and shedding layers like skins that house dreams, nightmares, memories and desires of one’s true self. Releasing these emotions and reforming them into colorful, bursting forms allows the artist to be free and celebrate being part of a bigger experience in conjunction with the universe.

In her newest pieces, Chakour is exploring connection to nature and desire to maintain wildness within and without. She will be collaborating with the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY, and developing workshops while bringing awareness to the issues facing wolves and top predators that are vital to our ecosystem. This show will raise help funds and awareness for the conservation center and more importantly speak to the issue of wolves who have recently lost their protection and are being killed and hunted at an alarming rate. For more information: vanessachakour.com and nywolf.org.

The exhibition opens during the Amherst Art Walk on Thursday, November 7th from 5-8pm. An artist reception will be held on Saturday, November 9th from 4-7pm. The show can also be viewed Monday – Friday 10-6pm and Saturday 10-4pm throughout the month of November.