Gallery B at Bloomingfoods Near West
“fresh cut flowers”
by rené crigler
april - june 2025
Artist Statement
The pieces in this show were inspired by the gardens in Rene’s Near West Side neighborhood, where she moved last summer. She created these while reflecting on the 35 years she’d been away from Bloomington, with each cut-out round flower chosen to represent the circle of life that brought her back to this special place; a place that feels like home with wonderful life-long friends, unconditional love and sense of community.
Rene worked in the motorsports industry for many years and her technique of painting on carbon fiber was inspired by the same process and materials that are used to create a racecar. She quickly became hooked on painting something as fragile and organic as a flower on such an indestructible, high-tech surface.
The process of her art involves six very different steps, which appeal to both the creative and analytical sides of her nature. The end result is layers of paint and texture beneath the shiny surface of what is at first glance a simple recognizable object, like a flower.
Rene hopes you enjoy these reminders of Spring, renewal and perseverance as much as she did creating them.
Want to see more of her art? www.renecrigler.com
For some process photos – Instagram @renecrigler
To purchase any of these pieces, please email her at info@renecrigler.com or call 845.453.8546
UPCOMING EVENTS
First Friday Gallery Walk - April 4th, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
First Friday Gallery Walk - May 2nd, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
First Friday Gallery Walk - June 6th, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ABOUT GALLERY B
Gallery B inside Bloomingfoods Near West shows local and regional artists that work across diverse mediums. We believe that supporting and collaborating with artists enhances our community while also furthering our cooperative values. Gallery B holds quarterly exhibitions and participate in monthly First Friday gallery walks. We are proud members of the Bloomington Gallery Walk.
ARE YOU A LOCAL/REGIONAL ARTIST? SUBMIT A PROPOSAL TO DISPLAY YOUR WORK!
Are you an artist who would like to be considered for a future showing? Fill out the application and agree to the guidelines below to get started. Bloomingfoods currently assigns gallery space on a quarterly basis.
In order for your application to be considered, please fill out the form below. If you do not have a portfolio online, please email 10-15 photos of work to info@bloomingfoods.coop. If you have already been a Gallery B artist, you are welcome to reapply after two years. We review submissions quarterly and will respond accordingly.