An exhibition of paintings and sculpture by Norman natives and siblings Martin Holland, Bets Holland Lundeen and Catherine Holland “Kit” Petersen will open with a reception for the artists at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave.  Electronic keyboardist Dennis Borycki will provide musical entertainment.
 
Presented by The Performing Arts Studio, “It’s All Relative – An Art Exhibition” will run through Jan. 24, 2010.  There is no admission charge.

Holland began painting six years ago when his wife bought him a small canvas, a brush and three tubes of paint.  “I have always been attracted to paintings, but never imagined I could paint,” he said.  “I would not have begun painting without her encouragement, nor would I have progressed as quickly without her good eye.”
 
Holland also credits his daughter and sisters with influence on his painting.  “My daughter, Lara, is a gifted artist who can critique a painting in an instant.  Bets and Kit directed me toward the really good artists I’ve tried to emulate.  Without them, it may have taken years just to discover the elements of good painting.”

Since returning to Norman from Nebraska in 1986, Holland has developed a number of small businesses across a broad range of industries.  He currently is CEO of Floran Technologies Inc., which sells patented products used to clean drinking water treatment systems.

For Lundeen, art has been her passion throughout her life, from stick-figure drawings as a child to her most recent bronze sculptures and oil paintings.

Her extensive experiences in the performing arts as an actress, choreographer and dance teacher have been the impetus for expression of movement and drama in her visual artwork.

“I find that there is a similarity in the process of tapping creative emotion, whether it be designing patterns and dance steps as a choreographer, creating a character for a dramatic performance, manipulating the clay when developing a sculpture, or observing the character of the subject for an oil portrait,” she explained.  “There is a constant thread that connects the various arts. The goal of an artist is to weave this thread through the soul of the observer.”

Lundeen resides in Loveland, Colo.  She has been featured in such publications as Southwest Art, Revue Magazine and The Artist's Sketchbook, and has gained national attention through exhibitions from Beverly Hills to New York City.

Petersen, a Norman attorney, works with colored pencil and pastels. She began taking art lessons in the 1990s when her parents became very ill. “My sister told me I needed to find a way to deal with those pressures, as well as the pressure of my law practice and two active children at home,” she said.  “Art lessons were my outlet.  My love of gardening and family have inspired my subject matter.”

Petersen has practiced law for more than 30 years.  She has been named in Best Lawyers in America for a number of years and is known nationwide as a speaker on family law and legal ethical issues.

As a former keyboardist for country star Jerry Reed, Borycki made numerous live and taped television appearances on The Nashville Network, the Grand Ole Opry and Georgia Public Television.  He also appears on Reed's recording, "Flyin' High.”  In addition, Borycki has recorded solo albums and with such other artists as Ty England, Katrina Elam and Watermelon Slim.

The Performing Arts Studio is housed at the Santa Fe Depot.  For more information on PAS programs, call (405) 307-9320.

PAS gallery exhibitions are made possible in part by grants from the Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts.