Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts - The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

“The Unconscious Call to Adventure and the Poetry of Life” exhibit by artist Dorian Vallejo

First Friday Reception:  October 1, 2021 from 6-8 PM in the school’s Corpora Gallery (entrance on 3rd Street)Mask required.

The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) Visual Arts Department is proud to present the work of professional artist, Dorian Vallejo, in an exhibition titled “The Unconscious Call to Adventure and the Poetry of Life” with a free Opening Reception on September 3, 2021, from 6-8 PM as part of the Bethlehem Southside Arts District’s First Friday celebration. This impressive exhibition features close to 30 works showcasing a selection of large and small paintings, plus several drawings.

According to Vallejo, “The overall theme uniting this work is a positive, optimistic view of humanity and our quest for meaning”.  He also shares: “The main focus of my work centers around mythological ideas that motivate us to maximize our potential. Also, present is my interest in observing the beauty and poetry life offers on a regular basis. My painting and drawings portray the human figure and a form of romantic, symbolic, introspective realism to explore these themes”

The school’s Corpora Art Gallery is host to a full schedule of both professional and student exhibitions each school year.  In addition to attracting the community for public events, the professional artists and exhibits also act as a great learning tool for students.

Charter Arts’ Director of Visual Arts, Lorie Reinhard, says: “We are so proud to host this exhibit as part of our professional series. Dorian was a visiting artist during remote learning last year and presented a workshop called the ‘Art of the Sketchbook’. His presentation aligned with our visual arts curricular focus on the artistic process using sketchbooks as a place to explore and practice ideas/concepts. Students had an opportunity to see how a professional fine artist like Dorian uses his sketchbook to draw what moves him as an artist and problem-solve. The current exhibit features finished work by Dorian and now students will have a chance to see how his sketches come to life in his final paintings.”

The “The Unconscious Call to Adventure and the Poetry of Life”  exhibition will be on display in the gallery through October 15, 2021.  In addition to the September First Friday reception, there will be another free public reception during the Southside’s October First Friday celebration.  Appointments to view the exhibit during school hours can also be arranged through Lorie Reinhard, lreinhard@charterarts.org.