Abend Gallery presents "Grassroots Urbanism," a captivating solo exhibition by Stephanie Hartshorn, on view from August 9th through August 27th. This showcase brings to life the vibrant pulse of urban landscapes through Hartshorn's unique artistic lens. Drawing from her background in architecture and her keen observation of city life, Hartshorn's work celebrates the rich, street-level experiences that shape our urban environments. From corner restaurants to mom-and-pop shops, her paintings capture the intimate, daily rhythms of city dwellers, breathing life into concrete and steel. We invite you to explore this compelling vision of urban vibrancy and experience the depth of Hartshorn's artistry.
Join us for the artist reception on August 16th, from 5 to 8 PM, where Stephanie Hartshorn will be in attendance. This event offers a special opportunity to connect with the artist and delve deeper into her creative process and inspirations.
đź“… Exhibition Dates: August 9 - August 27
🎉 Artist Reception: August 16, 5-8 pm (Artist in Attendance)
đź“Ť Location: 1261 Delaware St, Suite 2, Denver, CO 80204
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Artist Statement
"During my years in architecture, we considered such abstract concepts as “active energy,” “texture,” and “fabric.” We were trying to design spaces that went beyond walls and corridors; we wanted to make buildings that could breathe with life because they were part of the fiber of the inhabitants.
As a painter, these ideals linger in my mind every time I step up the easel. And not because I want to paint architecture—buildings are, honestly, design elements in my paintings. It’s because I’m trying to breathe that same human lifeforce into my work by considering how people interact with the land and structures placed upon it. Experiencing cities now as an artist, I see them differently, with heightened sensitivity to observing beautiful notes of individualism and the way we collectively shape the environment.
A favorite memory I have of Paris is looking out the window in our apartment into this inner courtyard. It was so intimate and alive with the smells and sounds of breakfast being made, dishes getting washed, women standing at their balcony having a smoke talking about well, who knows what. It was all absolutely lovely…all of it.
In this show, "Grassroots Urbanism," my concern was to capture the daily vibrancy of urban life—corner restaurants, mom and pop shops, and life stacked vertically both literally, say, in apartments, and figuratively as in how closely we live in big cities, at times, elbow to elbow.
At least half of these pieces venture into some level of abstraction, providing an exciting opportunity to experiment with and push the boundaries of my expression. Through this series, I aim to celebrate the richness of street-level experiences and the unique stories that contribute to the larger urban tapestry." -Stephanie Hartshorn
- Grid
- Slideshow
- Waterfall
- Horizontal Masonry
Explore Current Works by Stephanie Hartshorn – Not Part of the Upcoming "Grassroots Urbanism" Exhibition
LEARN MORE ABOUT STEPHANIE HARTSHORN
Recognized for her architectural portraits of rural America, Stephanie Hartshorn is a signature member of the American Impressionist Society whose work has been featured in national exhibitions and publications including Western Art & Architecture, Southwest Art, Western Art Collector and others.
Hartshorn, a fifth generation Coloradan, depicts the quiet resonance of a life built on hard work and familial ties. From iconic barns, fields and criss-crossing power lines to motel signs and carnival rides, Hartshorn captures the strength of the American West unlike any other artist working today.
CV