FACES & PLACES
THE ARTS NOVEMBER 2006

Myles Cavanaugh— “Local Boy Makes Good”
by Barbara Swanda

Every year at this time, artist Myles Cavanaugh holds his much-anticipated annual exhibition showcasing recent work from locales near and far. This year’s show is especially meaningful to Myles, as it is the inaugural exhibition in his own, recently opened gallery in downtown Lambertville, New Jersey. Atmosphere, A Collection of New Paintings by Myles Cavanaugh, will be on view December 2-23, 2006 at 12 Church Street — an elegant, Victorian commercial building.

Raised in Lambertville, New Jersey, Cavanaugh is a plein air painter and diorama sculptor. His distinctive paintings include images of local landscapes, which are supplemented by work from numerous extended painting trips abroad. Exotic locales throughout the Mediterranean and Mexico provide distinct influences on his painting style, palette and subjects. Myles began his formal art training at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. In 2003, he was awarded the Valparaiso Fellowship in Mojacar, Spain.

“Way back when,” as a graduating high school student in Lambertville, Cavanaugh was awarded the local scholarship prize from the Shad Festival Poster Auction Committee, given each year to an art student who shows great promise and is pursuing art as a career. After college and much traveling, Myles returned to his hometown to make his living as an artist. To give back to the community that believed in him, and to provide scholarships to up and coming art students, Myles annually donates an oil painting to the Poster Auction, helping to raise thousands of dollars each year toward that end.

Cavanaugh anticipated his own gallery space for many years to display his self-produced annual exhibitions. A lengthy search preceded securing a location, but when he finally did, everything seemed to fall into place. This beautifully intact 19th century storefront leads art aficionados into the spacious gallery with its high ceilings and hardwood floors. Myles’ studio is located in a separate room behind the gallery.

Myles’ recent work covers the new gallery’s soft grey walls. Images of local scenes and landmarks abound in his atmospheric oil paintings, hanging alongside deftly executed drawings on paper. New work is added continually, so stop by anytime, and you may catch the artist at work.

This December, Cavanaugh’s annual show will contain many remarkable works. Enticing subjects range from night scenes of carnival rides at the shore, to ethereal images of foggy mist obscuring the banks of the Delaware River. Myles continues his investigation into the effects of atmospheric conditions on scenes familiar, and cultures beyond our borders. The distinctive imagery conveys his trademark inquisitive eye into the everyday life we witness, the details of which often pass unnoticed. Myles’ work invites us to take a moment to drink in the nuances of such scenes.

Exciting events are planned for the gallery in the coming year. Cavanaugh’s two annual exhibitions (spring 2007 and December 2007) highlight the calendar, but additional special events will also occur. Watch for musical performances and readings, among other delightful evenings’ festivities that you won’t want to miss.

Myles Cavanaugh Fine Art is located at 12 Church Street, Lambertville, New Jersey. Gallery hours are Friday & Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday & Monday, 12-5pm; and by appointment. For more information, call 609/ 273-2983 or visit online at www.mylescavanaugh.com.