Jerald Melberg Gallery is pleased to present new paintings by contemporary realist still life painter, Christopher Clamp. The opening reception will be held at the gallery on Friday evening, April 28, with the artist in attendance from 6-8pm. Coffee & Conversation with the artist will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 11am.

Growing up in Leesville, South Carolina, Clamp spent much of his time combing through odds and ends in his grandfather's barn, divining stories about their importance and meaning. Now, he sources all manner of vintage objects with nostalgic resonance to compose universal narratives in his own work. His deft abilities with oil paint elevate his subjects beyond pure kitsch and into portrait-like territory.

Clamp says, Objects, no matter how ordinary, hold a magic and a power that can transport us to different times and realms, depending on how they are arranged, used or treated. ‘Far From Home’ also refers to the effect nostalgia can have. Memories can comfort and they can also emphasize how much distance there is between then and now. My hope is that the paintings will cause viewers to engage with their own memories and perhaps be transported.

This exhibition also includes a group of four amazing paintings, commissioned to be used in an upcoming children's book, titled The Sun Comes Up. The book launch will take place during the April 28 opening and several studies for the commissioned paintings are available for acquisition.

Jerald Melberg Gallery is located at 625 South Sharon Amity Road near the intersection with Providence Road. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. For more information about the exhibition please contact the gallery at 704.365.3000. To view selected works online, visit the gallery website at www.jeraldmelberg.com.