By John Chambless
Staff Writer

It would be easy for the organizers of the Unionville High School Art Gala to round up artists who paint pleasant, barns-and-bridges landscapes and exhibit them at the annual fundraiser. But the show goes above and beyond by seeking out artists whose work will not necessarily match the couch. You can explore the rich cross-section of styles and mediums when the show takes place Nov. 18 and 19 at the school.

This is the 41st annual event, showcasing regional artists, UHS alumni and current Unionville High School student artists. There will be live music and food served during the show hours.

This year's featured artist is Lele Galer, who works in oil, encaustic and welded steel. She regularly exhibits throughout the year in the Chester County area. Her welded steel work reflects the strength and vitality of living things, bound and unbound. She is now working primarily with the theme of the forest, creating abstracted tree landscapes and color studies in small and large panels.

Her colors often take on a life of their own. “As long as I continue to enjoy the process of a painting, bringing it through from start to finish, then I will keep painting,” Galer said. “I love the element of discovery in each painting, and I never hesitate to paint over an entire piece and start fresh. It has to have some guts in it, or some magic, or else I just don't see the point. That is pretty much how I see life, too. My work is an unedited form of self-expression, always exploratory and always personal."

The Art Gala will also feature the work of two current students at the high school, Lily Neff-Peterson and Zhenni Liang.

The art at this event ranges from vibrant abstract to lush landscapes in watercolor, pastel and oil, as well as works in metal, ceramics, mosaic and glass art. Artists include Jacalyn Beam, Katee Boyle, Polly Davis Chalfant, Frank DiPietro, T.S. Kist, photographer Robert Lott, Mitch Lyons, Jeremy McGirl, Christina Oddo, Jessica Turgoose, Sarah Yeoman and dozens of others.

The popular silent auction returns this year, offering artworks as well as select regional activities and outings.

The show opens on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., with live music and free hors d’oeuvres from prominent local restaurants. Visitors can meet and talk to the diverse artists. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the sale continues with live music and art displays. Thirty percent of the purchase price is tax-deductible, and goes to the Unionville PTO to help fund various projects.

Visitors should enter at the auditorium entrance of the school (750 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). Admission to the event is free. Mastercard/Visa, cash and checks are accepted. For more information, visit www.unionvilleartgala.com.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].