Liminal Alternative Artspace at the Community School for Art and Academics, 302 Campbell Avenue in Roanoke will feature husband and wife, Kirk and Barbara Norman Lashley, in a joint exhibit opening on Art by Night, December 2, 2011 from 5 to 9. The show will run through January 13.
When Kirk’s fourth grade teacher awarded a blue ribbon to his horse picture he knew he was an artist. As a teenager Kirk designed model cars. Barbara, who grew up in Martinsville, drew clothes for her paper dolls and dreamed of traveling the world as a famous fashion designer. The Lashleys have been married over 51 years. They met as freshmen at Bluefield College. Kirk is a retired minister and Barbara has been a practicing artist for over thirty years. They have traveled to nearly fifty countries and visited many major museums of the world. The Lashleys have three grown children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They reside in Roanoke County.
Kirk will primarily show wooden sculptures created since his retirement. Barbara will exhibit several paintings and one-of-a-kind cards constructed using discarded monotype prints, paintings, photographs and drawings. The couple will display one collaborated piece entitled “High-Low Collaboration.” It consists of six components, each fashioned from recycled tin roofing.
This will be the third time Kirk has exhibited his art. Last year he was a guest artist at The Market Gallery and “Venus in Oak” was included in the Roanoke College Biennial. Barbara is a member of The Market Gallery. Her work is in over thirty educational and corporate collections in the U.S., Norway, Germany and Australia. Her work was included in a traveling exhibition in Brazil.
“Downsizing” was selected as the title of this exhibit by Gallery Director, Brian Counihan. The title suggests the Lashleys stage in the life as they plan to move into a smaller home. It also contrasts Kirk’s large sculptures with Barbara’s small cards.
Both Lashleys graduated from Bluefield College. Kirk is also a graduate of the University of Richmond, Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Barbara graduated from Averett University and holds a M.A.L.S. from Hollins University.
