The Petersburg Area Art League has opened the new year with an exhibit of paintings and painted objects from the collection of local resident Alexander C. “Sandy” Graham, Jr.  To complement his show, Graham will present two gallery talks on Friday, January 25 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, January 26 at 3 p.m.

The gallery talks are open to the public and free of cost.  However, space is limited to 50 people and open on a first come, first served basis.  (No advance reservations are accepted.)  Due to popular demand, the second gallery talk on Saturday afternoon was scheduled.

The sampling from the Graham collection is comprised mostly of American and European paintings executed between 1850 and 1930, as well as American folk art.  The common theme in all the pieces on display is paint:  from 17^th century colored Dutch maps to 18^th century engravings to a 20^th century painting by Grandma Moses, the painted pieces illustrate different styles, techniques and subject matter.

The exhibit runs through February 2.

Last year, Graham exhibited his first show at PAAL, “American Paintings (1840-1940),” arranged to highlight the evolution of American painting from early portraiture and Hudson River School examples to works completed shortly before World War II.  Graham began collecting fine art and folk art about 10 years ago to complement his collection of period American antique furniture.

Call 804-861-4611 for more information or visit www.paalart.org.   The Petersburg Area Art League is located at 7 East Old Street in Old Towne Petersburg.