`Hoyt shows highlight diverse approaches to painting, sculpture`

Surreal ecological art, symbolic, multi-cultural works and figurative and nonfigurative sculpture are the subjects of three displays opening Saturday at the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, New Castle.

Janet Culbertson of Greensburg, Pa., creates paintings that address the destruction of the environment, and mixes iridescent powders, glass chips, flowers, birds and butterflies with more traditional paints and drawing implements.

“Art can help us recollect our belongingness to something precious and worthy of protection,” said Ms. Culberston.

Benny Alba lives in California but grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where her mother told stories encompassing different cultures, races and species. Ms. Alba also has an interest in archaeology and cultural symbols, which she incorporates in her paintings.

“My purpose is to unify and strengthen the varieties of living creatures we know,” Ms. Alba said. “When people view my work, they see stories; they lapse into a momentary adventure going back to their reality,”

Ms. Alba’s works “Love Duo of Who is on the Pedestal” were seen in the third scene of the movie “Basic Instinct.”

Robert Fry of Kentucky lists Martin Puryear and Andy Goldsworthy as influences. His sculpture uses combinations of material such as wood, clay, plaster, bronze and stone, and he experiments with the use of wood techniques from traditional methods.

The artists will attend an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. All shows end Sept. 18.

Information: 652-2882.

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Updated August 13, 1998
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