Chuck Frye has captured the soulful music of the Rhythm & Blues era in his new collection of oil paintings at In-Town Gallery. His use of “blues” hues and powerful compositions evokes the energy generated by the various musical instruments which create that R&B sound. One can almost hear the notes while contemplating these expressive images. Meet the artist and view his visual celebration of the impact of Rhythm & Blues at the opening reception from 5pm to 8pm on the First Friday, October 5, at the gallery.

Rural blues and beginning jazz originated in the early 1900s as forms of folk music among field hands and rural workers in the African-American culture. The unstructured rhythm and soulful lyrics of these styles reflected the moaning sounds of labor as well as the festive clamor of celebration. In time, their harmonic style and emotional stimulation were channeled into a variety of powerfully unique musical genre. Today, these expressive styles are all linked together as forms of modern Rhythm & Blues music. Chuck Frye’s paintings are a tribute to this unique musical heritage.

The artist is a representational oil painter with a modern realist flare. “My work focuses primarily on creating detailed narratives from life settings. I paint each canvas with close attention to the unique and individual character of the subject matter to create a convincing image with meaningful impact,” he states. Frye is usually drawn either to figurative subjects or to nature, with quite a few of his images focusing on local landscapes and coastal settings. His figurative paintings capture normal occurrences in the lives of people he meets and observes.

A native of South Carolina, Chuck Frye now lives in Ringgold, GA. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he received a BFA degree in drawing and painting. After graduation he served in the US Navy, and later began a 35-year career as a product stylist in the carpet industry. The artist now pursues his passion for art as a fulltime professional oil painter, working from his studio in Ringgold. He became an elected member of In-Town Gallery in July 2007, and also exhibits in other galleries and venues throughout the area. His work is held in many private and corporate collections around the country.

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In-Town Gallery, founded in 1974, is one of the oldest cooperative galleries in the nation. It presents the original work of more than 30 regional studio artists. Located at 26A Frazier Avenue, between the Market Street and Walnut Street bridges, it is adjacent to Coolidge park on the trendy “Hip to Historical” North Shore of the Tennessee River. The gallery is open every day year-round: 11am to 6pm Monday-Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday, and until 8pm on most First Fridays. For more information, call 423-267-9214, or visit www.intowngallery.com or www.facebook.com/intowngallery.