Art/Place Gallery invites the public to a reception for “Impassioned Expressions”, the show of paintings by members, Keith Magner and Alice Katz, on Sunday, April 23 at 2 to 5 pm. They will talk about their work at 3 pm. The show can be seen from April 2 to 30 from 12-5 every day at 70 Sanford Street in Fairfield. Both of these artists are showing work based on a theme close to their hearts: Alice of her cat and Keith of land and sea scapes.

Art/Place is a non-profit, artist-run gallery that has been in existence for more than 40 years. It features a new show by one or two members every month and several group shows a year. See www.artplacegallery.org or call 203- 374-9720 or 646- 258-6912.

At an early age, Keith Magner studied sculpture where he gained an appreciation of light and mass. An avid outdoorsman, Keith was drawn to plein air painting; allowing him to capture the energy in the scenes presented to him in nature. Many of Keith’s studio pieces are grounded in plein air works that capture the essence that he is then able to express in larger scale.

Keith developed his art skills at the University of Hartford’s Art School in the summers through high school, followed by studies at Alfred University’s School of Art & Design. His work has been in juried art shows at a national and state level. He is an elected member of the Salmagundi Club in New York, NY. He also holds an MBA.

Residing in Fairfield, Connecticut, Keith enjoys the proximity of the coastal estuaries, harbors, and communities that inspire his work. He states “I strive to create work that radiates the beauty that surrounds us. Art allows me to unplug and immerse myself in my surroundings.” It is this passion for art that has kept Keith engaged in painting throughout his career in the interactive advertising industry.

Alice Katz has been creating art her whole life that includes painting, papier mache sculpture, and collage. Her B.S. in Art Education from NYU allowed her to teach art in middle schools. She has exhibited in many area museums and galleries.

Alice also has an M.S. degree in Counseling and has led groups, been a guest speaker at area facilities and on radio and cable television, as well as counseling individuals. She is the author of several self-help books.

Of her artwork, Alice says, “I am particularly interested in shapes and textures and will use a variety of materials, such as found objects, acrylics, oil pastels, and paper. Most of my art is about showing familiar objects in a new way. I rarely create abstracts, but always follow the principles of design I learned in school. The cat paintings were based on the many photos I took ok my cat, Nyla. I loved her a lot but had to return her to the shelter after she attacked me. This work helps me remember and convey her beauty and elegance.”