EARLVILLE – Artists Daniel Petrov and Lisa Gregg Wightman kick off the 2007 season for the Earlville Opera House Art Galleries.  Both exhibits will run from Jan. 13- Feb. 24t.  On Saturday, an opening reception will take place for both exhibits from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served.

Daniel Petrov’s solo exhibition in the East Gallery of the Earlville Opera House is entitled “A Collection of Dreamers.” On display are over twenty of his typical energy-laden and provocative portraits of the last three years. Some of the depicted subjects come straight from the artist’s immediate milieu and others he stumbled upon purely by chance. Comprising this eclectic and compelling group are a Chinese Shaolin kung fu master, a struggling Turkish actor, a German avant-garde singer, and an aspiring Japanese children’s book illustrator. The obvious commonality between these individuals is that they all pursue the arts in one form or another. What further unites this colorful bunch is that they are all, perhaps because of their unique gifts, fierce individuals with a firm belief in their own ideals and ambitions.   

Petrov has produced a large and consistent body of artwork.  His paintings are executed in oil and acrylic and his drawings in pencil, acrylic, and ink.  Fascinated with the human figure, Daniel has developed a dynamic and sensuous visual idiom. He strives less for realism than emotional acuity. Characteristics are his long, fervent brush strokes and a penchant for vivid colors, whimsical gestures, and heightened expressions.