January 25, 2008

Grand Galleries to host Gallery Talk and Car Show

Automotive Reflections: Acrylic Paintings by Barbara DeVol

City of Tracy Cultural Arts Division

Tracy, CA –  As part of the ongoing exhibition, Automotive Reflections: Acrylic Paintings by Barbara DeVol, the Cultural Arts Division announces a Gallery Talk by the Artist at the Grand Galleries, Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Avenue in historic downtown Tracy, California.  Automotive Reflections continues on display through February 9th, 2008 in the Matthews and Souza Galleries.

Ms. DeVol will present a Gallery Talk exploring her creative process and interests in cars on Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm in the Matthews Gallery. Local custom car club, Clutch Burners will present a car show on 7th Street from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; weather dependent.  All Events are free and open to the public.

Automotive Reflections features the acrylic paintings of local artist and arts educator, Barbara DeVol.  Ms. DeVol is most recognized for her paintings that feature the custom car culture with a stylized, reflective perspective.  Her solo exhibition presents her signature works that boldly render light and life in the reflections from the surfaces of classic cars and custom hot-rods. 

Ms. DeVol resides in Stockton, Calif. and has been an arts educator at Merril F. West High School in the Tracy, Calif. since 1997.  She has taught fine arts and humanities since the early 1970s and has exhibited in Utah, Colorado, and California at numerous community venues and events.

About Clutch Burners

Clutch Burners are a charitable car club based in the Tracy.  Originally founded in the 1950’s, they currently have 25 active members. Clutch Burners exhibit hot-rods, street-rods and custom cars from the 1930’s through the 1950’s.  They host a car show annually with this year’s event scheduled for May 3rd.  Profits from Picnic in the Park have been donated to Tracy Hospice, and new this year, Tracy Interfaith.

About the Grand Galleries

The Grand Galleries Exhibitions Program offers combinations of professionally-produced exhibitions and arts-based events featuring local, regional, national, and international artists, as well as arts educators and organizations in all disciplines and genres. 

Often, exhibitions collaborate with the Arts Education and Presenting Programs to develop educational and interactive components such as demonstrations, gallery talks, receptions, residencies, and workshops. 

Grand Galleries’ public hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and for one hour prior to all performances on the Grand Theatre stages.  Free parking is available on nearby streets and public lots at 6th Street and Central Avenue.  Tours are available and private and group gallery talks can be arranged.   The Grand Galleries are accessible to persons with disabilities and patrons are asked to call ahead to address special requests and needs at (209) 831-6ART (6278). 

Further information regarding the Exhibitions Program is available by calling 209.831.6ART (6278).  To arrange a facility tour, visit online at www.atthegrand.org.

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Note to Editor:  Additional information for the artist can be found online at www.barbaradevolart.com.  Grand Galleries Supervisor/Curator William F. Wilson II is available for interviews at (209) 831-6299.