The dual August exhibit at Allied Arts welcomes people to see art through Krista Kugaraj’s and Sandy MacPherson-Ireland’s point-of-views.
Kugaraj’s main mediums are acrylic and watercolor. Her artwork explores using artistic creation to convey emotion and faith. She aims to make people “feel joy” when viewing her artwork and in each piece hides the word ‘faith’ as a reminder of what a person once told her about art.
“I recognized myself as an artist when a woman named Rose approached me in the park while I was helping an artist with a commissioned mural and she said, “if you like art and you’re doing art that makes you happy, call yourself an artist,” said Kugaraj. “Rose said to have faith so in every single painting I paint the word faith, sometimes obvious and sometimes discreet. To do anything in life, you must believe in yourself.”
Kugaraj accounts her love for art to God, who has led her to find joy in many forms of art. She becomes inspired by photographs that she can transform with vibrant colors and a central, tangible focus to convey that happiness to her audience.
“Growing up I had a reading disability that my mother recognized made me very frustrated in school. To help mediate those feelings, she got me involved in many forms of art that brought me a range of happy emotions,” said Kugaraj. “Art can be used to convey so many emotions but that is why I want to focus on bringing joy.”
Kugaraj has lived in Milledgeville for seven years after moving to the city to be near her retired parents. Her mother introduced her to Allied Arts.
“Allied Arts and its programs build confidence in many forms of art, and I cannot brag enough about its efforts and impact,” said Kugaraj.
Kugaraj previously presented her art at various events through her connection with Allied Arts. She has also been a part of art shows in Monroe and Eatonton through local programs.
“It is so important to support your local art programs. They support us in return,” said Kugaraj.
MacPherson-Ireland was introduced to Allied Arts through a local art competition. Having begun her art journey during COVID, she taught herself to paint with acrylics and would paint each day. While this is her first official exhibit, Allied Arts’ contest was the first time her art was displayed.
“Allied Arts has been a positive force in my art,” said MacPherson-Ireland.
MacPherson-Ireland has lived in Milledgeville for a decade and was inspired to learn art through visiting museums and viewing abstract art. Her acrylic paintings combine the “fluid pour” technique with abstract concepts and scene painting.
“I hope people feel joy when they see my paintings. I want the color to lift their spirits,” she said. “I hope to grow my art in the future, develop a website, and give back to my community through my creations. I want to spread the positivity art has brought to my life.”