VISUAL ARTS

Scale, Tail, Tooth and Nail is the latest Loading Dock Gallery exhibit. If that title has you picturing alligators, you’d be on the right track – so bring your Indiana Jones hat. Jeffrey Engel has created animal-related artwork that evokes the feeling of being in a swamp, beach or border region like the Everglades. You won’t be in the city anymore; in this exhibit, the wildlife is dynamic, adaptable and very competitive. Mr. Engel captured that feeling when he took his wildlife photographs and manipulated and transferred them to paper in a way that brings out their wildness.

Mr. Engel drew inspiration for his artwork from his experiences of living in Florida and working at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale during the 1990’s. There were alligators, fish, and the largest Atlantic coral reef in an aquarium. On a recent trip back to visit friends, he also explored some old haunts like the Everglades. He says “When you're down there and can see alligators in the wild while you're riding your bike or hiking, you are aware of how far removed we are from nature.”

Be sure to ask Mr. Engel any questions you have about his artwork at the artist’s reception. He is happy to answer any questions and has said “I even like it when someone points out something they see that I didn't even intend.” He has always been doing art, either for fun or with a serious concept in mind so there’s no need for you to feel that your question is not serious enough. Just come and have fun experiencing the wildness of his wildlife exhibit.

Scale, Tail, Tooth and Nail will be on exhibit in The Loading Dock Gallery at Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Avenue, 2nd floor of the A-Mill from May 30th to June 24th. There will be a reception for Mr. Engel's new body of work on Saturday, June 2nd from 5 - 7 pm right after the artist open studios. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm. For information about the exhibit, visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com or call 978-710-8605.