MIDDLETOWN, RI — On July 9, the DeBlois Gallery will celebrate its 35th anniversary with an outdoor reception and small group tours of artwork inside the gallery.

The gallery is combining the event with Gallery Night so stop by and pick up the new 2020 Newport Gallery Night brochure, which has listings of other galleries as well as discounts to local restaurants.

Among the gallery's group of 14 featured artists is DeBlois Gallery coordinator Shawndavid Berry, known for his hand carved wood sculpture. "Diving into my work with chainsaw and chisel, trying to make a connection between the movement of an uncovered cough and how it is the same as water in a crashing wave,” he said of his work in a press release. 

Mandy Howe; painter and block printer said, “In the uncertainty and anxiety of this period I couldn’t focus and became restless. So I went outside and began drawing from nature.”

Fran Leyenberger; ceramicist, said she gets her inspiration from her surroundings at home in Newport while photographer JR Lynch said, “ For me, photography captures a moment, a look, an angle or just a special mix of shapes and shades. When I shoot I absorb the spirit of it all and then it just happens.”

Painter Michael O’Donnell said he tries to imagine what it would be like if "Mondrian had been a little loosey goosey" and returning painter Virginia Stone said, “ My art is an improvisation inspired by the world before me. I include humor and beauty in my work to make people think, wonder and laugh.”

The 35th anniversary reception and opening exhibit will be held July 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are posted at: www.debloisgallery.com, or by appt.: 401-847-9977 / debloisgallery@gmail.com. The show continues at the Gallery on 134 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown through Aug. 30. Free admission. All welcome (please wear mask). Gallery Night events are on July 9 and Aug. 13, 5 to 8 p.m.