Old Dogs and New Tricks - Evelyn McCorristin Peters
Art Uptown Gallery
Opening Reception April 7th 6 - 9PM
Old Dogs and New Tricks: New works from Evelyn McCorristin Peters
Evelyn McCorristin Peters‘ innovative one-woman show, OldDogs and New Tricks, playfully welcomes visitors to enjoy two of the artist’s favorite things: dogs and desserts. The exhibit is presented by Art Uptown, 1367 Main St., from March 25 – April 28, with a reception on Friday, April 7, from 6 to 9 pm.
At the reception, the artist’s creative and fun approach will be evident, starting with an installation on the sidewalk in front of the gallery. “I have created a life-sized mock car with open windows where your dog can come and sit for a photo op!” Peters says enthusiastically. There will be a fan to blow their fur back in the breeze as they take off on their awesome road trip. A photographer will be there using an instant camera so you can walk away with your “Old Dogs” souvenir. Any donations given for photographs will go to Boxer Rescue Angels of Florida to help the dogs and their caretakers. The installation will be in place through the weekend following the reception.
Inside the gallery, Peters will present portraits of senior dogs, with the intention of portraying all the reasons people should welcome an older dog into their homes. “It is particularly challenging to find homes for these dogs who deserve to live their last days in love,” she says. Peters donates her pet portraits to rescues and shelters around the country to raise funds that directly help animals in need and their caretakers.
Basset Hound Nebula
Her work on behalf of “old dogs” is extensive. The winter issue of The New Barker, Florida’s pet lifestyle magazine, featured Evelyn’s Pink Dog on the cover and discussed her continuing project portraying senior dogs. Her dog portraits have been published in 1000 Dog Portraits: From the People who Love Them and she is a signature artist with Art for Barks, a nonprofit supporting service dogs, rescue animals, and animal artists and writers.
Peters comments that she wants her exhibit at Art Uptown to offer a way to “escape from our tumultuous present and live in the moment through the eyes of a wise dog.” But that’s not all she is offering. She also celebrates the joy of food in her new paintings. Peters plans to treat her reception guests to both a visual and culinary feast. Her divine painting The Last Dessertrelates to the scrumptious buffet of goods she will bake and serve. “The actual desserts will be there to eat,” she laughs, “so come early!”
“Raspberry Cake Slice” and “Lavender Cake” by Evelyn McCorristin Peters
Evelyn McCorristin Peters is originally from New Jersey and Delaware, and has lived in the Sarasota/Manatee County area for over 25 years. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and also attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Ringling College of Art and Design. In 1984 she began exploring the world, visiting 48 states as a scenic artist with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, and later through extensive travel as management for the Disney Stores. Today she continues to explore the country through the educational and conservation efforts of Haai, Inc., Live Shark Encounter, the family business. Peter’s work is held in private collections throughout the US, Canada, Australia, France, Spain and the Netherlands. She has received awards and fellowships to Weir Farm National Historic Site, The Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, Zion National Park and the Jentel Artist Residency Program. She is a member of the Petticoat Painters and serves on the governing board of Myakka River State Park, with a dedication to bring artists and nature together.