L/A Arts is excited to host artists Wais Ali and Don Bernard as their first Community Gallery exhibit for the 2013 Art Walk Lewiston Auburn season. The work, which ranges from beautiful African landscapes to surrealist depictions of well-known Lewiston Auburn landmarks, will be unveiled at an opening reception, held at L/A Arts 221 Lisbon Street, Lewiston beginning at 5PM on May 31. Light refreshments will be served. L/A Arts Community Gallery is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.
About Wais Ali
Wais Ali sends viewers on a journey to his hometown in the East African country of Djibouti. Utilizing gouache paints, Ali displays a colorful and beautiful portrayal of tradition and culture juxtaposed with desert landscapes beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro. Ali’s journey from Djibouti inspired his body of work “Africa”; he hopes to show how different life is beyond the day to day American landscape.
Ali moved to the United States in 2010, first living in Minnesota and then moving to Maine.
About Don Bernard
Don Bernard does not ascribe to any preconceived notions of the definition of art. A fiercely unique artist with a flair for colorful and dramatic works, Bernard exercises his talent in various mediums, ranging from surrealist acrylic paintings to mosaics, ceramics to woodworking. Comparable to the work of Picasso and Dali, Bernard’s collection of work immerses viewers into a world reimagined through his eyes. “My work is located in between the spectrum of old masters and something new,” states Bernard.
Bernard presents an eclectic collection of abstract self-portrait, surrealist reinterpretations of Lewiston Auburn landmarks, and even an alien abduction. “Ideas for work are frequent, there is no end in sight. My art today is a secret and intimate look into my mind; I bare my imagination for all to see,” says Bernard.
Bernard has a long history in the arts, beginning as early as his enrollment in Dingley school where is teacher Ms. Wilson kept him afterschool, diligently mentoring him to improve his artistic ability. In the 1960s, Bernard began making ceramic, shifting into oil and later in the early 2000’s, after open heart surgery, began endeavoring in acrylics. He continues to paint daily, creating a unique world for all to enjoy.
Interested in purchasing work found in the L/A Arts Community Gallery contact mail@laarts.org.