Reception for Nickel Exhibition Set for June 28 at Waterside Gallery

A reception for "Love's Labor," the latest exhibition of works by Old Dominion University associate professor of art Richard Nickel, will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the new Waterside gallery, Mayer Fine Art, in Norfolk. It is free and open to the public. The exhibit, which opened June 7, runs through July 16.

The 45-piece show includes sculpture and paintings. "Working on the House," pictured here, is one of the pieces from the exhibit.

"There is much labor put into 'love,'" Nickel explained, referring to the exhibit's title. "It is not easy and takes much work to make relationships survive and grow. Like building a house, it's never a one-person job. Folks have to work together to make it happen."

Nickel's exhibition received a positive review in the June 24 edition of PortFolio Weekly. "Evoking a wide range of emotions from sadness to silliness, these are pieces that are meant to be owned and revisited, as they slowly reveal details, narratives, and layers of symbolism with each viewing," said Hannah Serrano in her PFW review.

"Art helps us understand the human condition," Nickel explains. "In my art I explore the ability to laugh at myself. By stepping back and seeing the whole picture, I can portray myself on that absurd seesaw of comedy and tragedy."

The Mayer Fine Art gallery is located in Suite 252, 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. The gallery is open from 4-8 p.m. Fridays and 12-6 p.m. Saturdays. For more information call 803-4749.