VISUAL ARTS

While Stuart Dunkel’s “mice” paintings have been popular with Co|So patrons for years, Stu’z Zoo is a complete menagerie of mice, dogs, cats, fish and insects navigating their way across tables of oversized fruit tarts, confronting wind-up toys, and absconding with late-night snacks. With so many creatures to choose from, Dunkel works pen first, paintbrush second, beginning with a title and then playfully matching animals and objects by mood or theme to create a whimsical composition. Carefully rendered facial expressions and gestures complete these quirky and humorous assemblies.

After studying both music and art with Boston University, Stuart Dunkel received his masters from Mannes College of Music, and a doctorate from the Julliard School. He has also studied at the Boston Museum School, Kent State, the Academy of Realist Art, and the Seattle Academy of Art. Dunkel’s art is displayed in galleries across the country and has received recognition and awards in a variety of juried shows. In addition, Dunkel owns and operates Fenway Grays, an oil paint provider, teaches music at the Boston Conservatory, has written two books and produced a CD, Oboe Colors, with music reflecting on four of his paintings. Dunkel has also recently published his second book, a catalogue of his works entitled An Artist’s Life. Signed copies will be available for sale at the gallery.