Solo Exhibition by Mill House Gallery (2011)

The Mill House Gallery of Chester, Connecticut.
Mill House Gallery, Chester, CT

I was the featured artist in my Solo Exhibition by Mill House Gallery in Chester, Connecticut. Jane White contacted me with the invitation, which I accepted immediately. One thing I appreciate about solo exhibitions is they are a lot of work. I had to package and transport many paintings, hang and set up the entire show, create invitations, mail them out, and set the reception table. Also, several trips to the gallery were required: drop-off, opening reception, and pick-up. Despite all that was involved, the experience and enjoyment I received were worth it.

Event Literature – Solo Exhibition

The Mill House Gallery, Landscape Oil Painting in the Hudson River School Style invitation - front
Front View of Event Brochure
The Mill House Gallery, Landscape Oil Painting in the Hudson River School Style invitation - rear
Rear View of Event Brochure

Setting up the Exhibit – Solo Exhibition

Mill House Gallery Exhibit paintings are prepared for packing
Mill House Gallery, Exhibit paintings are carefully packed into car
Mill House Gallery, Exhibit paintings are hung prior to exhibit
Mill House Gallery, Exhibit managed by Artist Jane White
Jennifer O’Keefe and Jane White
Short Video: Mill House Gallery Solo Exhibit
(A short 2-minute and 57-second video documentary of John O’Keefe Jr. setting up for his 2011 “Landscape Oil Painting in the Hudson River School Style” Solo Exhibition. Watch until the end for a nice surprise just as the gallery was closing for the day.)

Opening Reception and Meeting the Artist – Solo Exhibition

Solo Exhibition, Exhibit opening reception refreshment table

The opening reception was on a Saturday, and a steady stream of art patrons came to see the exhibit. Unfortunately, I was not the best host because I had a hurt foot and spent most of the time sitting on a chair in the corner. I had the opportunity to speak with most people who came to see the exhibition. There were many inquiries about the artworks and the techniques that I used, and I was surprised by the number of people interested in the stories behind each work. My solo exhibition at the Mill House Gallery was a great experience.

Solo Exhibit, Opening reception guests
Solo Exhibition, Opening reception
Solo Exhibition, Opening reception with John and Joshua O'Keefe
Father and Son

Solo Exhibition by The Picture Framer & Gallery (2008)

The Picture Framer & Gallery
The Picture Framer & Gallery,
Cheshire, Connecticut

My first Solo Exhibition by the Picture Framer & Gallery was excellent! In these early days, and with a lot of effort on my part, my renewed love of creating art and entrance into the local art scene was moving fairly quickly.

The Picture Framer & Gallery, View through front door
(See my paintings hanging inside)

Solo Exhibition – Event Literature and Promotional

The Picture Framer Event Poster
Event Brochure
Press release for John O'Keefe Jr's solo exhibition at the Picture Framer & Gallery in Cheshire, Connecticut in September 2008
As printed in the Cheshire Herald on August 28, 2008

Solo Exhibition – Opening Reception (9-6-2008)

We held the reception despite a visit by tropical storm Hanna. Even though the poor weather discouraged most from attending the exhibit reception, we had a good group. Jennifer and I learned later that our local county was under a tornado warning during the event. Still, people came to see the exhibition opening, and I had the opportunity to talk with them about my paintings. We had refreshments and a good conversation. I was delighted with my first solo exhibit.

Solo Exhibition, Opening Reception, Main Gallery, Wall 1
Solo Exhibition, Opening Reception, Main Gallery, Wall 2

I selected eleven works to exhibit at The Picture Framer & Gallery throughout September. One of the more miniature paintings had sold, and another was still on exhibition at the Mystic Art Center. Therefore I had a mix of originals and reproductions displayed. The quality of the reproductions is so good that several visitors commented that they could not tell the difference between the originals and the reproductions.

Solo Exhibition, Opening Reception, Main gallery, Quests 1
Solo Exhibition, Opening Reception, Main Gallery, Guests 2
Solo Exhibition, Opening Reception, Main Gallery, Guests 3
Solo Exehibition, Opening Reception, Main Gallery, Guests 4

Solo Exhibition – People that have helped me!

Below are pictures of me with people who have helped promote my art business.

Opening Reception, Ann Hearn and John O'Keefe Jr.
Ann Hearn owns and operates The Picture Framer & Gallery
Opening Reception, Rob Lyon and John O'Keefe Jr.
Rob Lyon owns and operates Sound Color
Opening Reception, Joan Shackford and John O'Keefe Jr.
Joan Shackford is the current President of the Cheshire Art League

Solo Exhibition – Some Final Thoughts!

Below are pictures of friends and family that have encouraged and supported me. So many people supported me with Solo Exhibition by The Picture Framer & Gallery. Thank you!

Opening Reception, Sue Smith
Sue Smith
Close family friend
Opening Reception, John O'Keefe Jr. and his family
John O’Keefe Sr. (Dad – far left)
Lynn Ambrosini (Mom – left)
Jennifer O’Keefe
 (Wife – right)