When it comes to versatility, Tony Reans in one of the best. The illustrator, painter, photographer, teacher, author, and instructor from Texas and Louisiana is known for his landscapes, pop art, photography, Photoshop skills and, as if that were not enough, is currently working on a graphic novel. “When looking at Tony’s impressive list of talents and works, it’s almost overwhelming to choose which facet to feature in exhibit and classes,” says Aubrey Bolen, Artistic Director at River Oaks Square Arts Center. “Tony suggested an exhibit entitled ‘Earth Energy Alchemy’ and, quite frankly, I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us.”

For those wondering what’s behind the title ‘Earth Energy Alchemy’, Reans will be on hand to demonstrate his use of rice paper in his work, and to discuss the underlying academic concepts and spiritual inspirations for his work, and his title choice for his exhibition. As part of the ongoing River Oaks Education Series sponsored by GAEDA, Reans will also offer a two-day workshop where he will concentrate on the techniques used to create the landscape-inspired abstract paintings in his current series, offering demonstrations of various stages of the process. “Using acrylic mixable mediums to achieve glazes and washes, and combining the use of brushes, palette knives, sponges and other tools, students will learn to create various effects in their paintings,” says Reans. “I am very much looking forward to sharing these techniques with students, allowing them to incorporate these techniques into future works of their own.”

The Gallerie des Amis will feature River Oaks Resident Artist and local physician Peter Milder, whose photography is well known locally and regionally. “My work concentrates on graphics and abstractions, mostly in black & white, but color does creep in when appropriate,” says Milder, who has been involved with fine art photography since his teenage years. “I am still mostly self-taught, but have been fortunate to participate in workshops with well-known artists, which allowed me to incorporate their techniques into my own.”

Regional artist Jill Mulkey, known for both her innovative paintings and fashionable art, will exhibit in the Stokes-Harris Gallery, rounding out what can only be called an amazing start for the year 2014 at River Oaks, Alexandria’s Art Hot Spot, located downtown at 1330 Second Street.

The Exhibit Opening Reception is scheduled for January 10th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at River Oaks. Tony Reans’ two-day workshop will take place Thursday, January 9th from 10:30am to 4:30pm, and Friday, January 10th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Space is limited, and the fee is $75.00 per person. A lecture is available free and open to the public on Thursday, January 9th at 9:30am. For more information or to enroll, call River Oaks at (318) 473-2670.