Alison Starr's “Breath of the Brush” at Reflection Gallery

Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host “Breath of the Brush,” an exhibition of sumi-e paintings by Minnesota artist Alison Starr, October 4-27. An opening reception will take place at the gallery Thursday, October 4, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Starr, a professional musician turned artist, combines in her artwork her love for music and the outdoors. She says her paintings express her goal for “chi,” a mystical energy force created by a perfect balance of self and nature. Starr uses the ancient techniques and tools of China to create contemporary pieces of art work. Her paintings are steeped with her love of nature, both in the Chinese brush paintings created in her studio and her watercolor impressions painted on location. Starr has studied with numerous national and international masters of her trade. Now almost 80, she enjoys teaching her craft to school children and art groups through workshops in Duluth, Minn. She has shown her work nationally and internationally in both juried and solo shows.  The Reflection Gallery is on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan Street, Hancock. For additional information, call 906-487-7500 or e-mail finlandiareflectiongallery@gmail.com. Hours at the gallery are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.