By Steffen Klenk
Two years ago, art galleries throughout our area closed their doors because of COVID-19, leaving a much-needed void in accessing culture and music. It was during this absence that the art community came together in a new form. Nashville North Studios in Linwood launched a YouTube page, allowing visitors to access the gallery an entire selection of paintings. Monthly art talks were also presented in a virtual setting, with music provided by extraordinary local talent.
Nashville North Studios has since re-opened its doors, focusing on a new, local artist each month during their Fourth Friday open houses. Each show includes a solo and group exhibition, in addition, to live music and pleasant conversation among attendees.
Their recent opening of DaVinci to Dali presented the works of two immersive artists, Jack McGovern and William McKensie. A former teacher in the Toms River School System, McGovern has been creating art for as long as he can remember. “My parents didn’t always understand what I was doing, but they were encouraging.”
After 25 years in the education field, McGovern retired and began perusing his passion for art. In recent years, he has created visually stunning pieces depicting a person in motion using watercolors on print. Much of McGovern’s works focus on dance, memory, and the passage of time. “It’s given me a focus because of the idea of memory,” McGovern says. Jack lost his brother, Jim McGovern, to Alzheimer’s ten years ago, and has used drawings of dance and photographic images in his body of work.
“It’s very exciting when you put the brush to the paper and the colors and translucency of the watercolor just vibrates.” Says McGovern.
Also on display recently is the work of the late artist William McKensie. Born in Dallas, PA, McKenzie loved art all his life, sketching and drawing at a young age. Following a career in real estate, he began painting, often showing not on the trauma in his life, but also the joy, according to his wife Joanne. “Our faith is very important to both of us and we share that.”
McKensie came from an artistic background. William’s uncle, Richard Perdunn, was an artist for the Saturday Evening Post. Later in life, he had taken several lessons, studying under Floyd Norman and Jane Whiting Chrzanoska, but was mainly self-taught.
McKensie’s work has been showcased in multiple galleries, including the Manhattan, Millville Galleries, and Norman Galleries in Geneva, NY. Joanne McKensie says his work is one of a kind. “He couldn’t duplicate one of his (paintings). To me, that’s how valuable they are.”
Nashville North Studios continues its mission to bring the world of music and art together, putting a spotlight on up-and-coming, middle career and independent artists. Their upcoming group exhibition, Protect Mother Earth, and the solo works of Penny Beck are scheduled to open Friday, April 22, with music proudly featured by MQ Murphy. The show will take place between 3-8 pm. Those interested in attending are asked to call the studio to reserve your entry and are required to wear a face-covering upon entry.
To reach Nashville North Studio, visit www.nashvillenorthstudios.com or call 609-504-4044.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
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