Gallery 92 West/Fremont Area Art Association

Gallery 92 West is indeed fortunate to be hosting the 2-D and 3-D work of Del and Martha Pettigrew during the month of May. Each in his/her own right is an artist of importance - as a married couple they are amazing!

Delmar Pettigrew, a Lincoln native, who studied Political Science and Journalism at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, returned to what had always interested him as a child, studying with numerous nationally known wildlife sculptors and painters, as well as studying the works of the Masters. Hours spent in the olitude of museums both here, and abroad left indelible visions of composition, which are reflected in his work. Del’s subjects are derived from his experiences. His sculptures are often of wildlife he happened upon while living in Colorado and owning a horse ranch, and in Nebraska, where Pettigrew’s now reside. He likes to portray the excitement of the encounter, and the impression this chance encounter made upon him. He considers himself to be a sculptor of wildlife, and a painter of life and the nature surrounding him. Most of his paintings are done plein air, again capturing the wonder and excitement of the natural world.

Martha Pettigrew, also a Nebraska native, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She worked for the Nebraska State Museum as an illustrator, and this exposure to the historical aspects of the lives of the Western tribes helped mold her into the sculptor she is today. Her inspiration for most of her sculptures is the native American woman at the turn of the century. Martha’s sculptures express strength, dignity and serenity. The women’s faces speak thousands of words and are generally the focus point of the piece. Her highly acclaimed sculptures were for many years her focal point, but in recent years she has broadened her horizons - actually, revisiting one of her initial loves - painting.

Martha majored in printmaking and oil painting at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Her return to painting began when she and her husband, Del, traveled to San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico, taking along their paints and easels. The couple painted on the streets of the charming colonial town, capturing the colorful doors, windows, and walls of the homes and storefronts. “Painting on the streets was a breakthrough,” Pettigrew says. “I’ve always been mainly a studio painter. And, after sculpting in clay, which is just one color, I found that I really did miss the chance to work with color combinations.”

Del and Martha, as individuals, have been acclaimed in numerous exhibitions across the United States. Their work can be found in homes and collections throughout the world, and they are represented in prestigious galleries across the United States.  Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Del and Martha, and view their works in our own gallery.

The best of the best from Fremont Middle School will be on exhibit May 1st until May 15th. Andrea Highstreet and Axton Kahler will hang a very select show of this year’s student art and honor their students with a reception and award ceremony as a way to encourage the budding artists. We appreciate their efforts to celebrate the creativity of Middle School students! Drop in to see the work!

The reception for Martha & Del Petttigrew, the Fremont Middle School Artists, and Loft Artist of the Month Le Bloemker will be May 4th from 5 to 7 p.m.