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SITE UNSEEN VISION AT WORK

Date published: 11/5/2009

BY SHANNON HOWELL

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

While local artist Brandon Newton's new studio and art gallery bears his name, he is quick to point out that the space is not just about him.

"It's about collaborating and something bigger than me," he said. His vision? A destination for people that includes music, silent auctions, revolving works by different artists and a "fresh, interesting event every Friday."

Newton and his friend Ryan Poe, a local independent filmmaker, have even figured out an innovative way to show films of local scenes. A special screen in the window of the gallery will show movies on one side, while the back side of the screen will show the movies in reverse so they're visible to people walking or driving past.

The gallery will officially open tomorrow during First Friday, the monthly celebration of art. In addition to Newton's paintings, there will be work by painters Patte Ormsby, Adam Desio, Jeff Gandee and Anna Newton (Brandon Newton's 7-year-old daughter), potter Dan Finnegan and pewter artist David Kelly.

Scattered throughout the gallery will be furniture by "Furniture Don."

Newton is dedicating the opening of his new space to friend Pat Jones, who recently lost her fight with cancer.

NEW GALLERY, NEW TIMES

What most people might consider an ambitious undertaking during rough economic times is viewed by Newton as a wonderful opportunity.

A chance meeting at a Fredericksburg restaurant this summer ended up with Newton trading the use of his original artwork to the new Courtyard by Marriott hotel in exchange for the use of the light-filled storefront space located at the hotel's Caroline Street entrance.

Newton immediately fell in love with the huge windows filling two sides of the gallery. The windows will allow passers-by to watch Newton at work.

Concrete floors and rough walls are the perfect neutral background for paintings, sculptures and furniture.

And best of all, there's just lots of space. Until now, Newton painted mostly in the basement of his home.

In the new studio, "I can paint and I can just walk back and look and I don't bump over a couch or run into a TV," he said with a smile.

What: Grand opening of Brandon Newton Studio and Gallery Where: 620 Caroline St., Fredericksburg When: Friday, Nov. 6, 5 p.m.-midnight. (Regular hours will be 3-10 p.m., Monday-Friday.) Info: 540/207-1725

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Date published: 11/5/2009