Between James and Kay Grubola their exhibitions have been numerous, but presenting together as a two-person exhibit will be a first in twenty-five years. The Grubola’s will present their innovative artwork at the Patio Gallery at the Jewish Community Center of Louisville, located at 3600 Dutchmans Lane, from September 12, 2010 through October 19, 2010.

Through the years as artists, they have found inspiration by one looking down, the other up; one focusing on the micro, the other on the macro. Their work comes together, however, through commonality of the formal arrangement of elements on the page. Both artists use these elements to create formalist pieces, with a carefully considered ordering of the surface.

James Grubola shows interest in the concept of the cosmic distance ladder and the mapping of star constellations. Grubola uses this concept of organizing objects on a flat surface, while at the same time dealing with the spatial overlapping. The pieces in his series incorporate a symbolic “distance ladder” made of sticks and a plumb bob. The rungs of the ladder represent the various methods of measuring distance from the ancient Greeks to Edwin Hubble. The plumb bob is a tool used to show a true vertical. For one to navigate the skies, one must begin by knowing where the center of the earth lies.

In Kay Grubola’s work, the essence of the landscape is described in the details. The natural cycle of growth, death and decay form the structure of the landscape and the heart of its beauty. Each natural object is presented in an unnatural, formal composition, at times with a contrasting or companion object, which compels the viewer to carefully examine the individual form. The horizontal format of the pieces references the landscape, while the composition is organized on the grid, a device imposed on the random order of nature.

The opening reception for James and Kay Grubola is open to the public and will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 between 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Pricing information is available for existing works.

For more information about the Patio Gallery at the JCC or the Grubola’s exhibit, please call 502-459-0660 or visit JCC’s website at www.jewishlouisville.org.