Huntsville, Ala. – The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) reveals the newest exhibition, Encounters: Jared Small, on view February 3 through May 19, 2019.

The Encounters series is a long-standing showcase for outstanding regional contemporary art.  This installation of Encounters focuses on the haunting works of emerging artist from Memphis, Tennessee – Jared Small.  Small has gained critical acclaim for his unique paintings on panel and vellum that are generally focused on arresting and dream-like portraits, arrangements of flowers floating in ethereal spaces, and stately, yet dilapidated, Southern homes existing in ambiguity.  The artist is essentially self-taught and considered a prodigy.

Small describes his practice as “trying to imagine other people’s memories – memories that are fading, but still there.”  Working from photographs, as well as from his imagination, he paints in a style similar to magic realism, with the center of each composition focused on a painstakingly accurate image, while the background often dissolves into abstract elements.  This technique allows the artist to hypnotize the viewer into a dreamlike state, caught between the realities of the obvious and the mysteries that seem to exist beneath the surface.

A native and lifelong resident of Memphis, small attended Overton High School and the University of Memphis, and has participated in numerous exhibitions in the region.  His work may be found in many private and corporate collections, as well as the permanent collection of HMA.

An opening event for this exhibition, hosted by the African American History Month Committee and the HMA Board of Trustees, will be held on Friday, February 1 at 6 p.m. with an artist presentation by Jared Small, followed by a reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine bar served by Chef Narvell.  Live music will be provided at the opening by The Valley Conservatory.  Admission is $25 for Museum members and $50 for non-members and seating is limited to 175.  For more information about the Huntsville Museum of Art and to purchase tickets, visit hsvmuseum.org.

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Lead Sponsors: Sasha and Charlie Sealy

Exhibition Sponsors: Bobby Bradley and Charley Burruss, David Lusk Gallery, Dianne and James Reynolds
Additional Support Provided By: The Alabama State Council on the Arts; Altherr Howard Design; The Huntsville Museum of Art Guild

African American History Month Committee: Bobby Bradley, Renee Collins-Williams, Narvell Patton, Dianne Reynolds, Ina Smith, Herman Stubbs and Archie Tucker

About the Huntsville Museum of Art
The Huntsville Museum of Art is a non-profit municipal corporation established by the City of Huntsville, Alabama, and governed by a city-appointed Museum Board.  The Museum seeks to foster understanding of the visual arts and appreciation of artistic achievement.  In addition to its galleries and exhibitions, the Museum offers art classes for children and adults along with special programs, lectures and musical presentations. Rental space is also available for weddings, meetings and other events.