PURCELLVILLE, VA, APRIL 24, 2018—The ninth in a series of months-long art exhibits in Purcellville’s Town Hall features the works of local artist, Tan Armentrout. The show runs from early April through June, 2018. A Meet-The-Artist reception will take place at Town Hall (221 South Nursery Avenue) on Wednesday, May 2 from 5:30 to 7:00PM. The public is welcome to join Tan and the Purcellville Arts Council for an evening of art, discussion and light refreshments. The show may otherwise be seen according to regular Town Hall office hours (Mon - Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM except holidays).
Originally from Thailand, Tan began painting when she was 15 years old. Her mother was a member of the Royal Thai Air Force and introduced Tan to some of the full-time Air Force artists who helped her with her artwork throughout her high school years. Tan took accounting/business economy classes but never received a formal art education. "I never took an art class, I just looked and watched the artists, one of them helped me mix and learn techniques and I loved it." Tan said. She began selling her artwork while in high school and by the time she was attending university, her work was largely portraits and wildlife scenes done in oil, acrylic and charcoal. Tan said, "I put myself through college selling my work but I did not go for the art degree."
When Tan moved with her then-husband to Japan, she received a sewing machine and taught herself how to create elaborate quilts and stitchings. There was no formal training in the world of textiles; however Tan's work, according to friends and fellow artists, is described as incredibly intricate and detailed.
In 1998, Tan moved to the Purcellville area. She found that the local artists were very supportive and encouraged her to join the Gateway Gallery in Round Hill where her artwork remains on display. Once in Purcellville, Tan raised her family and established extensive gardens at home. With memories of that time along with those of her family farm on the Chao Phraya River in Thailand, she has focused on nature - the Virginia gardens, flowers, and wildlife and the tropical world of Thailand. Tan has stated that when she is painting, "it is a happy world for me."
The first floor corridors of Town Hall have a gallery-caliber hanging system which creates and opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work. Art exhibitions in Town Hall ensure that all members of the public have access to art. Exhibits are currently booked through June of 2018 and the Purcellville Arts Council is accepting submissions for future shows. All artwork is decided upon for suitability by an outside jury. Please send inquiries to the Town of Purcellville, attention: Arts Council at arts@purcellvilleva.gov.
