EXHIBIT RUNS
Feb 5 – May 2
Portsmouth, NH

The exhibit features two prolific abstract artists -- Frank Welles of New York and New Hampshire, and Bill Oakes of Hampton who died in 2005.

"We are heading into our second decade with a bang," says Michael Simchik building owner and gallery sponsor. "This is a rare opportunity to see a retrospective of two accomplished artists that spans decades. It’s fascinating and enlightening to see the two develop their strong individual styles."

Frank Welles was born in Mexico City in 1937, but spent his earliest years in a coldwater flat on 26th Street in New York City's Irish neighborhood of Chelsea. He resides in New York and New Hampshire. He attended Duke University, where he found painting, and continues to study throughout his life. His earlier, mostly figurative works are marked by a dark, brooding mood.

In the 1970s Welles began painting his "internal landscapes;" personal and emotive work a style best described as "Neo-expressionistic." In 2002 he embarked on a series of paintings on the war and tragedy in Bosnia. His work has been exhibited throughout the US, including an exhibition at The Edward Hopper House (Nyack, NY)

Bill Oakes, of Hampton, was The Washington Post’s sketch artist for the Watergate Hearings. He went on to illustrate for numerous publications and both write and illustrated childrens’ books. As years progressed, he explored the outer edges of art and experimented broadly with medium.

Bill grew up in Brunswick, Maine. While in the military he was assigned to the Navy Combat Art Gallery. Nearly 200 ofhispaintings and drawings are in the U.S. Navy Fine Arts Collection. His broad teaching resume includes the New England School of Art & Design and Art Institute in Boston. Oakes’ work is exhibited throughout the region, including a show at the Museum of Science in Boston and a retrospective at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. His wife Sharon Oakes handles his collection.

In addition more than a dozen artists will be featured, who help define "The Stretch" with examples of realist, impressionist, abstract and outsiders’ art. They include: Chris Volpe, Jean Harlow, Aline Lotter, Ethel Hills, Christine Matick Lanson, Jo Ann Portalupi, Dane Pettengill, Peg Murray, Linda Gerson, Frannie Loren Schwab, Jan L. Waldon, Toby Gordon and Jack Rodie.

"It has been said that the Gallery at 100 Market is as much like an alternative museum as a gallery," says Jean Hurlbut, McLane Law Firm’s gallery liaison, a show supporter. "Perhaps this show more than any will solidify that definition. This is a rare look at the individual artist’s path. Without question this is a not to be missed exhibition."