For Immediate Release


Oil Paintings by Betsy Cain, John Olenyik and Preston Russell on view in “Twilight” exhibition at 2CarGarage Contemporary Art Gallery

Opening Reception Twilight: Three Perspectives: Betsy Cain, John Olenyik and Preston Russell
When: Friday, February 29, 2008, 6-8 p.m.
Where: 2CarGarage Contemporary Art Gallery, Downtown Savannah
Contact: Wendy Cooper, Managing Director, 912-323-0616 wcooper@2cargallery.com

Savannah, GA. Elizabeth ”Betsy” Cain, John Olenyik, and Preston Russell, three Savannah artists who work in very different styles have come together in the exhibition Twilight, which opens at 2CarGarage Contemporary Art Gallery in downtown Savannah on Friday, February 29, 2008. The Twilight exhibition, will be on display through March 25.
Betsy Cain is known for her expressive, abstract paintings that invite the viewer to revel in her line and color. Cain’s pieces are included in numerous private and corporate collections around the world, including two paintings, Low Country Construct #1 and #2, on permanent display at The Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah. Cain considers herself a figurative painter who flirts with the abstract realm always suggesting a figure or form. Cain’s current works instill softness in its viewers with reduced silhouettes and contrasts of light colors. Cain is an artist of distinction winning The Governor’s Award in 1997 as one of Georgia’s Women in the Visual Arts.
John Olenyik is a native of New York City where he had a career as an art director for major ad agencies. Olenyik’s current work the Silver Sea Series, which will be featured in the Twilight exhibition, are oil paintings inspired by the seascapes of Tybee Island. Olenyik has the ability to capture Tybee’s unusual colors in paint. His current collection is more abstract and assured; focusing on the way the light reflects off the waves in the late afternoon and twilight hours. . Olenyik explores the structure and form the light causes on the water’s perpetual random wave formation. Olenyik who previously taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York and at City University of New York has traveled and painted around the world from France and Bali to Japan. John Olenyik’s first exhibition in Savannah, Seven from Savannah, was a sensation, selling his entire series.
Preston Russell is a native Savannahian, retired physician, painter, writer and historian. Preston paints in a realistic style, and his twilight street scenes and other “scapes” will be showcased in this exhibition. Russell’s paintings are showcased in homes throughout America and Europe, as well as southern museums. Russell’s scenic scapes are inspired by the majestic surrounding of the low country from Savannah to Charleston and have the surreal ability to entrance its viewers and propel their imagination to the actual setting. Preston’s use of color and shading generate depth and practically deceive the eye into believing it is gazing at a photograph.
The opening reception is Friday, February 29, 2008, from 6 until 8 p.m. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the gross art sales from the exhibition will benefit the Savannah Children’s Theatre. The mission of The Savannah Children's Theatre is to inspire, educate and entertain children and families of Savannah, Georgia and surrounding areas through the experience of quality theatre both on and off the stage. This is done by providing auditioned shows for children and adults, classes for children between the age of 4 to 18, and educational field trips for both private and public schools. Last year over 6,000 students were exposed to the performing arts, many for the very first time.
     For more information, call 912-236-0221. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. and by appointment.