Abstract has played a role in the evolution of painter Eileen Dorsey.

Eileen Dorsey has been a fixture in the Cleveland art scene for nearly a decade and has gained both critical and popular acclaim. Eileen is known for colorful and pigment-rich forestscapes and landscapes. Her work draws you in with her use of light and well-composed canvases.

Eileen’s new works will be featured at Cain Park this summer, and they are an invitation to view the artist in a new light. Out of the Shadows will reflect where Eileen has been as an artist and where she is going—where she wants to go. Eileen is as at a crossroads as an artist: although known for one thing, her artist instincts are taking her in a different direction. Though there is a through-line from her well-known work to what she has produced for Out of the Shadows, it is clear that she is ready to take a different path built on the strong foundations of her past paintings.

Eileen’s new paintings feature figures, faces, spaces, and hidden symbolism. There is an autobiographical twist and tinge to these paintings as she faces transitions in both her personal and professional lives. Her continued use of bold colors with strong composition ties us to her older work, while at the same time navigating us towards a new side of herself. The body language she portrays in her Self Portrait is that of someone being closed off—a person who is somewhat hidden. The idea of a self-portrait is to expose oneself, to tell a story of oneself. Eileen is beginning to tell that story through this piece, but at her own pace. She is present, but not fully exposed: hidden behind quick, bold brush strokes that are painterly but purposeful. Her new works also reveal her experimentation with color blocking, the use of color throughout a composition, and insertion of figures. Her use of these techniques will carry your eyes through her paintings. There is no doubt that Eileen’s new work is bringing her Out of the Shadows both literally and figuratively: she is engaging in a new conversation with herself and her viewers. Even in this new light, you will want to take your time viewing this work at Cain Park. There is much to be revealed beyond the shadows.

CAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL | 3-8PM FRIDAY, 10AM-8PM SATURDAY AND NOON-5PM SUNDAY, JULY 9–11

The Cain Park Arts Festival is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event, featuring the work of artists from across the country. Free admission on Friday. Tickets are $5 on Saturday and Sunday for those 13 and older (no discounts).

OUT OF THE SHADOWS: NEW PAINTINGS BY EILEEN DORSEY | FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 9–SEPTEMBER 12

OPENING RECEPTION: 5-7PM FRIDAY, JULY 9

The Feinberg Gallery is open for viewing one hour before all scheduled performances through intermission. Please visit cainpark.com for Feinberg Gallery hours, performance schedules, directions, and parking.