March 26, 1999
Contact: Jane Ford
(804) 924-4298
jford@virginia.edu


ÒNEW WORKÓ BY ARTIST ELIZABETH STARK OPENS AT FAYERWEATHER 


	Atmosphere, shape and color emerge in Elizabeth StarkÕs show
of recent works at the Fayerweather Gallery which opens March 28. 
	Stark, a fifth-year fellow in U.Va.Õs McIntire Department of
Art, is searching to create abstract works that are Òengaging and at
the same time frustrating, like our society,Ó she says. ÒMy
painting, and the kind of work I am striving for, happens in the moments
where I am trying to confuse the beautiful. I hope to capture the loss
of beauty, or the inherent nostalgia involved in concepts of beautiful
art.Ó  
	Working with light and layering colors and materials, she
creates images and shapes that emerge, suspended in a tactile
atmosphere. The exhibit includes more than 20 works, large oils as well
as small, intimate paintings. Many are built-up laminations of
overlapping planes using gauche, glue and grit to create texture and
shapes. 
	The fellows first earn a B.A. in liberal arts from the College
of Arts and Sciences. The fifth-year, post-baccalaureate program
provides exceptionally talented students an opportunity for more
professional training.  They work as assistants in various studios and
develop their portfolios for competitive graduate school applications. 
	ÒElizabeth Stark is just exactly one of those students,Ó
said Dean Dass, studio chair in U.Va.Õs McIntire Department of Art.
ÒThis program, now in its eighth year, has proven to be very
successful and we have a strong track record of placing these students
in the most prestigious graduate schools, including Tyler School of Art
at Temple University, UCLA and the Art Institute of Chicago.Ó
	An opening reception will be held on Friday, April 2 at 5:30
p.m. with a gallery talk by the artist at 6:30 p.m.. 
	
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	The show runs through April 3. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5
p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturday, April 3, Stark will open the
Gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and be on hand to talk with visitors.
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	Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804)
924-7550.  A photo of StarkÕs work is available.