Crossroads Carnegie Art Center First Friday

“Through the Unknown” by Lauren Chaney and Chris Halley

Join Crossroads Carnegie Art Center on Friday, February 7, from 5-8 p.m., for “Through the Unknown” a show that is sure to stun you with its vivid beauty. Chris Halley is a master in his metal work and brings a powerful display of color and composition to the gallery at Crossroads. Lauren Cheney is an oil and acrylic painter who delves into the mystery of her subject matter and wows the viewer with her bold use of color. We are fortunate to have these local artists here to bring us a vibrant and uplifting show in February.

Music will be provided by Deb Wessler and Frederik Anderson.

Our free drawing will be for tickets to the Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre.

Artist’s Statement - Chris Halley

Pass after pass of a small molten strand of metal, consisting of steel, bronze, and stainless steel, which make up each piece, takes many hours just for basic construction. Once my image has taken a physical transformation, it is brought to life by adding other materials. Now that a piece has taken character, I refine my image of the piece by grinding, sanding, and polishing. After many, many hours I give each piece the final breath of fire; it delivers the emotion and a story written in color and form.

Chris Halley - Bio:

Chris Halley grew up in Eastern Oregon in the mountains by the snake river moved by the natural beauty of his environment. He discovered art in high school and became very passionate about it. Afterward, he served in the military for 4 years mainly working as a shipboard welder. Exploring numerous countries, fascinated by the arts and cultures, Chris continued to draw. After his service in the military ended, he pursued work as a welder and eventually merged with his artistic passion to create sculptures. His art reflects his life, love, passion, and the roads he has traveled. “Every mountain, every sunset, the ripples of the sea, and the many arts I have seen are the presentations of my life.”

Artist Statement - Lauren Chaney

I am very passionate about the power of the creative process as a healing journey. For me painting is prayer, painting is meditation, and painting is my way of handling the mess that is spirituality. I find deep meaning in exploring complex philosophical ideas and concepts of morality on canvas. Using a wide array of color palettes and evolving painting techniques, I like to think through big questions with both figurative and abstract works. Where did I come from? Where am I going? What’s the point of all this? My work is a direct representation of this thought process as I try to figure out this messy thing called life. And I LOVE it. With my work I bear my soul, and I aim to create more dialog around spiritually in our increasingly secular world.

Lauren Chaney - Bio:

Originally from Indiana, Lauren has settled in Baker City and is raising young children while pouring herself into her art. In her youth she explored drawing, painting and stage set design (which she continues today at Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre) and continued to develop her painting technique to this day. She has enjoyed mural painting at Haines Elementary School and on the barrier to the Orpheum Theater on Main Street. She is a dedicated member of the art committee at Crossroads and is looking forward to forging an inspiring career as an artist while nurturing her growing family.