In Otherworlds

Otherworldly artwork by Craig Fisher and Dan Hernandez

Public reception: Friday, July 21, 6 – 9 p.m.

On Friday, July 7, 20 North Gallery opens In Otherworlds, an exhibition of new and existing works by two prominent Toledo area artists, printmaker Craig Fisher and painter Dan Hernandez. The exhibit will continue through September 30, 2017.

Click to view the In Otherworlds exhibition catalogue .

The In Otherworlds exhibit features fantastical, intricate and meticulously rendered images of mystical themes—all incorporating classical symbolism to reference contemporary thought, culture and technology. The intaglio etchings and mezzotint prints by Craig Fisher blend classic architectural and landscape imagery that transitions from mechanical to organic to supernatural, on both macro and micro scale. The acrylic and ink-jet transfer paintings by Dan Hernandez intermingle the iconic imagery of European Renaissance and classical Asian painters with early video game design, portraying figures engaged in vibrant and energetic conflict.

Despite the dramatic differences in media, visual style and subject matter, the works of these two distinguished area artists juxtapose like themes of science & technology with spirituality, as well as the combination of old and new media, to explore the metaphysical concept of the “otherworld”—the varying layers of existence between humankind’s experience of the “real” world and the world of belief. This combination creates an intriguing, thought-provoking and unquestionably beautiful exhibit.

Craig Fisher (Toledo, Ohio) received his Bachelor of Arts in fine art from The University of Toledo, School of Design in 1976, following two years of additional study in The Netherlands at the Pascal College, Zaandam, North Holland. He has worked in various positions as a technical Illustrator, graphic designer and, more recently, as a concept artist. For the past 15 years, he has helped develop business-to-business visual learning tools. Many of these “maps” and electronic supplemental visual graphics help guide groups of people (by way of metaphor) through complex processes, which include financial literacy, supply chain, site training and strategic alignment within institutional and commercial organizations. More recently, he has worked to develop learning tools that help millions of people world-wide learn to manage chronic disease states such as diabetes and congestive heart failure.

Craig Fisher is a passionate independent printmaker constantly exploring new and exciting ways to use today’s technology in the creative process while being faithful to time-honored printmaking practices. He is a member of Boston Printmakers at Emmanuel College and the Mid American Print Council.

Mr. Fisher works from his home studio, Ibis Press Studio, and has two solo and small-group gallery exhibits scheduled for 2017. His works have exhibited both nationally and abroad and are included in many public and private collections such as Purdue University (Lafayette, Indiana), the University of Dallas (Texas), the City of Toledo (Ohio) and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Japan).

Dan Hernandez (Toledo, Ohio) received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2000 from Northwest Missouri State (Maryville) and a Masters of Fine Arts in 2002 from American University (Washington, DC). He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at The University of Toledo (Ohio).

Hernandez’s paintings utilize both traditional and new media techniques to explore the visual dialog between religion, mythology, and pop culture. In addition to exhibition in national and international solo and group exhibitions, Hernandez is represented at Kim Foster Gallery in New York City. His work is in numerous private collections, both national and international, and has been reviewed in several distinguished publications, including ARTnews, HyperAllergic, Artillery Magazine, Arte Fuse, Gizmodo, and Der Spiegel. Dan Hernandez was twice selected for an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award, in 2011 and 2015.

In addition to the In Otherworlds exhibit, 20 North Gallery continues to display glass, paintings, jewelry and artists’ cards by noted artists of the region.

Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 4p.m. Patrons also have extended opportunities to enjoy the exhibition during after-gallery hours at Venue, 20 North Gallery’s cocktail lounge, which is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

20 North Gallery and the exhibiting artists will be welcoming friends and collectors at the free Public Reception for In Otherworlds on Friday, July 21, from 6 – 9p.m. The reception will feature a free appetizer buffet and cash bar.

Click to download the In Otherworlds online exhibition catalogue.