Exhibit: "Paintings on Paper" by Artist Frank Megargee Opens September 7 in Atrium Gallery 

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury State University Galleries presents the solo exhibition, "Paintings on Paper," by retired journalist Frank Megargee September 7-October 13 in the Atrium Gallery in the Guerrieri University Center on campus.

Megargee spent his working life not in art but as a newspaperman, beginning in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s as a reporter and later editor of a weekly paper. After time out for Army service in World War II, Megargee returned to the weekly, then moved onto writing and editing jobs in Delaware and Washington, D.C. before winding up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore as regional correspondent for the Evening Sun in Baltimore.

"Through years of listening to people and recording their doings in news and feature articles," said Megargee, "I stayed tuned to the non-verbal world of art by using free time to sketch and paint as I had since childhood. Whenever possible, I also attended evening art classes and weekend workshops given by prominent artists.

"By not trying to earn a living from art," continued Megargee, "I have managed to keep it a form of play that began in childhood and has sustained me though life’s ups and downs, especially the downs."

On heavy rag paper, usually 300-pound, he sketches with pencil, crayon or charcoal and paints with watercolors, gouache or acrylics. His subjects arise from what is going on around him.

"Take, for example, musicians, not their music but their body language while making it (see "Combo" in this exhibit), said Megargee. "Same for athletes. I’m not into sports, but I like the way they throw themselves into their games (see "Strike!"). I’m fascinated by the way light plays with us (see "Living Doll") and by faces, especially actors (see "Remorse II")."

Megargee spends a good deal of time studying the masters: Modigliani for expressive lines, Matisse for color, and Caravaggio and Rembrandt for the play of light and dark.

Atrium Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; and closed Monday.

For more information call University Galleries at 410-543-6271.