Opening Reception: Trying to Make Sense by Terry Drahos

Free admission – Light refreshments – Everyone welcome. / Exhibition continues until August 30 in Chapel Gallery, ARTSPLACE, 396 St. George St., Annapolis Royal www.arcac.ca

On the heels of Dada, Surrealists adopted and adapted collaging and cut-and-paste technique. Much like their “automatic” approach to painting, these artists relied on the subconscious to produce one-of-a-kind assemblages made of photographs, illustrations, coloured paper, and paint. Working in a similar method, Drahos started with a series of photographs and thousands of magazine pieces, loosely combining images in an effort to organize the randomness into some kind of order. The results are a series of collages combining photographs and magazine clipping assembled together to create new meaning.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Terry Havlis Drahos received her Bachelor of Design from Southern Illinois University and Bachelor of Education at Acadia and NSCAD Universities, specializing in Art and Technology.

Increasingly involved in the Nova Scotia arts community, Drahos has served on the board of directors for numerous arts organizations. She founded and directed public art and education project Uncommon Common Art (2008-2019). Growing the organization from an ad hoc group of artists to a registered charity recognized in national arts publications.

Her artwork often examines social identity and perceptions. Drahos has exhibited nationally, and is the recipient of numerous grants and awards. She is passionate about art education dividing her time between her studio and sharing the love of making with children.

Drahos’s paintings can be seen at, Secord Gallery (Halifax, NS) and Gallery 78 (Fredericton, NB)