Art Chavón 2017 springs to life in The Gallery Altos de Chavón

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The Gallery in Altos de Chavón opened Wednesday evening with Art Chavón 2017, an exhibition composed of student, graduate, and faculty work as well as pieces by artists-in-residence over the years. Many new works were on display, but a good few were treasures yet to be picked up and some even dated back to the 1950s — such was the case for two large scale, folk-figure totems hand-carved from mahogany trees by Gaspar Mario Cruz. With smiles from the Casa de Campo community all around, viewers happily perused the collection and praised its artists. A standout of the evening were photographs taken by Ann Parker, acclaimed photographer featured in numerous museums in the states, detailing her travels – some through the Dominican Republic with Avon Neal – in vibrant colors of red and teal. A crocheted cloak hung below her work whose fine detailing brought her photography to life and would no-doubt be a coveted piece in any trendsetter’s wardrobe. Charcoal self-portraits by the students were fantastically communicative. Among them was Yurita Mota, whose eyes poured into those of her onlookers. It was as if she just asked you a sincere question and was awaiting a response. Others were even borderline haunting like that of Jonathan Melendez. Large scale oil paintings caught the attention of Chavón School of Design rector, Stephen Kaplan, enough to name one of them his favorite of the collection! It’s true Art Chavón 2017 has something for everyone. A wide price range allows art enthusiasts of all kinds to find many works to suit their budgets, and the sales go to such a worthy cause. The Altos de Chavón Cultural Center Foundation provides scholarships to many students, and your contribution allows you to give the gift of education while receiving a memorable piece of art in return. Some of our favorite areas of the resort can be found in these pieces. Architecture and nature stood as a muse for many; Jose de Jesus’ bright, wispy brushstrokes detail Chavón’s stonework and William Rijo captures verdant covered walkways that we use daily. A favorite room of mine can be found on the second floor of The Gallery off to the right — it was like falling into a jungle of abstract leaves. Canvases like that of Welington Orozco were a field of green; a lush, wondrous escape. Like impressionism, many artworks in this room were indecipherable up close in their tones of forest green and black. It was not until one stood back did their beguiling shapes come into form. Each beseeched you to bring these framed outdoor depictions home. After all, isn’t that what Casa de Campo is all about? Inviting nature inside. Take an afternoon for yourself to experience the magic of Art Chavón. The collection extends to small clay statues, painted masks, pottery, structural cardboard designs and much more. Located in The Gallery, Art Chavón 2017 is on display until April 30th. Many works have already sold, so get them while they are hot! Don’t let the opportunity pass you by, and help support the students and artists in this village we call home. The Gallery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and closes Wednesdays and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. The following gallery of pictures were taken by Laura Perdomo at the opening reception of Art Chavón on Wednesday, March 29th:

THE ALTOS DE CHAVÓN CULTURAL CENTER FOUNDATION The Altos de Chavón Cultural Center Foundation, located in Dominican Republic, is a non-profit cultural and educational institution. Since 1983, it has been dedicated to the creation of a multifaceted arts community that includes visual arts, crafts workshops, performing arts and teaching programs. With its other components—The Regional Museum of Archaeology, the Artists in Residence program, The Gallery, and The School of Design—The Foundation has contributed to the enrichment of the intellectual, artistic, and cultural panorama of the Dominican Republic for more than 30 years. The Foundation’s work has reached many, with impressive results. Its diverse educational and arts programs, gives Altos de Chavón the cultural dynamism that nourishes and stimulates the creativity of the designers and artists of today and tomorrow. In 2013, The Altos de Chavón Cultural Center Foundation celebrated 30 years of continuous and invaluable contributions to art and culture in the Dominican Republic giving each artist the opportunity to find their individual expression through constant research and development. For more information call: 809.523.8011

CHAVÓN | SCHOOL OF DESIGN Founded in 1983, The Altos de Chavón School of Design offers careers in applied arts in the areas of Fine Arts, Visual Communication and Fashion. This type of intensive two-year program provides the graduates with an associate degree at a technical level, which provides them with a solid education that enables participants to compete as professionals in the field of design and arts both locally and internationally. Graduates of the School of Design are eligible to transfer directly to Parsons School of Design in New York. More than 2,000 Dominicans and students from around the world have graduated from the School of Design, demonstrating that a solid background in design, parallel to an emphasis on the development of the industry is the best formula for a successful career. The highly practical and market-oriented curriculum, provides students with a unique set of skills that allows them to be easily inserted into the work environment.