‘Illuminate’ and Light at Play spotlight captivating exploration of light in art

When owners of The Monastery heard “Let there be light!” they took it to heart. The Monastery Peoria’s newest artist-owned gallery and creative space located at 8301 W. Washington St. #2 is launching its opening with “Illuminate: A Captivating Exploration of Light in Art”. The exhibition which features the works of famed Valley artists Kevin Caron Larry Ortega Gaylen Stewart and Ceri Jones Tretter takes place from Thursday March 6 through Wednesday April 12 and features multiple special events during its run.

“Illuminate: A Captivating Exploration of Light in Art” is presented in conjunction with the debut of Peoria’s Light at Play Festival which occurs nightly from 5-9 p.m. Thursday March 6 through Saturday March 8.

“We are thrilled to present our inaugural exhibition in partnership with these four incredibly talented artists and in alignment with Peoria’s Light at Play Festival” said Michael Denson who founded The Monastery with wife Charith. “We look forward to The Monastery becoming a vibrant and supportive part of the growing arts community within the city of Peoria and connecting to many other valley artists along the way.”

The art show takes visitors beyond illumination through the eyes of these artists whose works harness the power of light to alter perceptions create ambiance and captivate the senses. Guests can experience an interplay of illuminated sculptures radiant installations and intricate designs that redefine the relationship between light and form—from Larry Ortega’s light-sensitive sculptures and Ceri Jones Tretter’s intricate chandeliers to Kevin Caron’s glowing 3D-printed installations and Gaylen Stewart’s botanical and floral lightboxes.

Exhibition events include an artist talk with Gaylen Stewart on opening night Thursday March 6 at 5 p.m. On Friday March 7 at 5 p.m. visitors can enjoy a live 3D-printing demonstration with Kevin Caron. An opening reception takes place at The Monastery on Saturday March 8 from 6-8 p.m. and the gallery will host a closing reception on Wednesday April 12 from 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

“Illuminate” aligns with the city of Peoria’s Light at Play Festival a three-day exploration of light and art which is anticipated to attract thousands of art enthusiasts. The Monastery situated at the heart of the festival serves as a vital artistic hub that showcases the caliber of artists and experiences that define this new creative venue.

For more about The Monastery visit atthemonastery.com. For more about the artists visit kevincaron.com (Kevin Caron) larryjortega.com (Larry Ortega) thecollaboratory.com/art (Ceri Jones Tretter) and gccaz.edu/profile/gaylen-stewart (Gaylen Stewart).

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