“THE MAGIC POWER OF SERENDIPITY” Jim Bilgere opens a new exhibition at artCentral, the Hyde Gallery February 13, 2009 with the Artrist’s Reception at 6:00 pm. FREE New work in oil and other media will be displayed at Hyde Gallery in Carthage from February 13- March 1, 2009 in which artist Jim Bilgere explores various themes in a colorful style, sometimes cubistic, sometimes surrealistic, always a bit abstract and exciting! The artist’s love of painting and the artists’ way of life began in his early teen years living in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where he watched professional street artists and met foreign people daily. After formal studies at the University of North Texas and exhibiting in the Deep Ellum area of Dallas, he began a world tour to begin learning art from “experience.” Travel included the southwest and combining surrealism and cubism in a post modern way while living in Kings Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, and a study of natural light while there. Painting the great American landscape for five years concluded with a move to Vienna, Austria in 1995 and a first hand study of European art in its true element. According to the artist, “Somehow, I infused these influences to create a style that has influence in Monet, Picasso, Dufy, Klee, Kandinsky, Matisse, Stuart Davis, Basquiat, as well as the New York art of the 80s. Through all of these, I try to create an art that speaks to the spirit rather than preach to peoples’ biases.” See examples of Mr. Bilgere’s work Mr. Bilgere lives and works currently in Carthage, MO. His exhibitions include numerous exhibitions in Texas, the “Tower Gallery” in Oakland, CA, Gatlinburg, TN, “Keel’s Creek”, Gallery Artist, Eureka Springs, AR, “Artbreak Gallery”, Brooklyn, NY, and several murals in NY and TX including the “Carlton Arms Hotel” room design project in New York City, which can be viewed at www.carltonarms.com