AKSEL SAND PEDERSEN AT BROOME COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Still Life Theme and Variation - The School of Paris opens First Friday December 1 with an artist’s reception from 6-9pm featuring piano music by Ken Martinek. “My latest work,” says the artist, “reflects what Manet called ‘the essence of painting’ - still life theme and variation. Each piece is developed from several points of view based on sketches and visuals and arranged with aesthetic compositional principles of the painter’s secret geometry, a modern eye, and conscious abstractions within the picture plane that capture the essence of a specific place and transcendental moment.” In addition teaching art in Hancock for more than 30 years, Pederson is a commercial artist, book illustrator, and set designer. After a stroke disabled his right hand in 2009, determination and inspiration allowed him to continue his work left-handed.

The exhibit is on display through December 28. The gallery, located at 81 State Street in Binghamton, is open Monday-Friday from 11am-5pm, and First Fridays from 6-9pm. Further information can be found at broomearts.org or by calling (607) 723-4620.