By Carnegie Arts Center
The Carnegie Arts Center welcomes an amazing new exhibit to its upper and lower galleries. In the Skala and Garwood galleries is the gorgeous photographic work of artist Audrey Powles. Her exhibit titled “Cows in Hats and Other Photographic Works” will be on display until August 17th.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I have always been fascinated by the portrait styles of the old masters. The way the light and the dark are united to create depth and atmosphere. I wanted to take that style and apply it to my ranch life photography, adding a painterly touch to create a unique and ethereal experience. I expanded on that idea and began photographing my favorite ranch cows wearing hats from my vintage hat collection, creating my first fine art series called Cows in Hats. My works have since expanded to include fine art painterly pieces featuring calves in chairs, horses and scenes from our western way of life. I love creating photographic artwork that people can identify with; artwork that offers classic beauty in a unique way.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Audrey (Koehler) Powles was raised on a farm in south central Nebraska, USA. Growing up around livestock and having a love of the outdoors, she has always found beauty in the everyday rustic. Audrey is a self-taught photographer; she was introduced to photography by her best friend, and the ability to express her creativity through the lens would quickly become a passion. Audrey now lives and works alongside her husband Bryon on a cattle ranch in the Sandhills region of western Nebraska; the ranch has been in her husband’s family for over 100 years.
Along with ranch life, Audrey captures weddings and portraits. She uses her graphic design talents to create logos and advertising for local businesses. In her spare time, she enjoys painting with acrylic and watercolor.
Audrey gives all the glory to God for her abilities and creativity and is so thankful for the endless support and healthy nudges from her husband, family, and closest friends.
We would like to thank our July Exhibit Presenters Alliance Tractor and Implement and Platte Valley Bank for providing their community with arts opportunities. Thank you to our operational grantors the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment who help make programming and services possible. Thank you also to our program grantors the DF Dillon Foundation, Snow Redfern Foundation, Newblom Foundation, Mission Store, CA Story Foundation, and St. John's Lutheran Church.