A Brief Enlightenment” by artist/ musician, Vanessa Kerby and featured community artists. Presented through a Northampton Arts Council grant.

Contact Information: http://vanessachatwoodkerby.com/

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 7 – 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Elevens, 140 Pleasant Street, Northampton, Massachusetts (corner of Pleasant and Pearl Streets)

What: Oil, acrylic and charcoal portraits by Vanessa Chatwood Kerby of over 20 artists and musicians hailing from the Northampton area.

Refreshments are provided, with musical performances by artists featured in portraits, including Ryan Hommel, guitarist; Andrea Kwapien, flutist; “The Dire Honeys”; Jeffrey Lordini and the Yacht Club Five The public will have the opportunity to meet many of the people whose portraits populate the exhibit, and celebrate the creative arts community in Northampton.

Who: Vanessa Chatwood Kerby received a Northampton Arts Council Grant to paint portraits of the community of young artists in Northampton. She is one of three female members in the Dire Honeys. As the artist describes the theme of the exhibit: “ ' A Brief Enlightenment ' refers to the nature of open and closed communication between two people, a moment where harmony and unguarded emotions shine through. In painting and drawing the portraits I work from photographs I take of each artist, then select a spontaneous, unwary or humorous moment when his or her particular light, personality, or style shine through, as indicated by the light halos surrounding each individual."

How: Ms. Kerby wishes to thank the Northampton Arts Council, the owners and staff of The Elevens, and the many artists, friends, colleagues and community members who have volunteered their time to make this celebratory event happen.