The Carnegie Arts Center is presenting the exhibition “Inspired Abstraction: Works by Katherine Crinklaw, Sharon Maney LoManto and Nic Webber” in the Lobby Galleries from through July 23, 2017.

The exhibition, which opened Wednesday, brings together three artists from the Central Valley who use abstraction in individualistic ways. Modesto’s Sharon Maney LoManto’s recent works, many executed on metal and using industrial paints, represent abstract concepts using metallic colors and hard edges; these non-objective works are understood completely through their use of the basic elements of form, color and balance. Katherine Crinklaw of Newman, begins her paintings with natural forms – lush flowers and ripening fruit– and abstracts them into simplified shapes and colors that at times only hint at their original sources. Nic Webber of Modesto uses the contrasts of hard and soft in his sculptures, where hard materials, such as metal and ceramics, create illusions of soft, pillow-like forms.

“All three artists inspire emotion and retrospection through their use of color and shape, and all employ degrees of abstraction to force the viewer to look more carefully,” said Carnegie Arts Center Director Lisa McDermott.

The Carnegie will host a reception for the artists from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 11 in conjunction with Art Around Town, Turlock’s quarterly downtown art walk.

The Carnegie is open to the public from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Admission to the Lobby Gallery is free.