Montpelier artist Rob Hitzig presents ‘Chasing a Feeling’ at Axel’s
June 20, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
“Senegalese Fast Food,” acrylic, gesso and shellac on panel. Courtesy of Rob Hitzig
A new exhibition opens at Axel’s Gallery on June 26 featuring the unique art of self-taught Montpelier artist Rob Hitzig.
Titled “Chasing a Feeling,” the collection on view through Aug. 3 is a fresh body of work Hitzig created through a residency at Vermont Studio Center. The public has a chance to meet and hear from Hitzig at a casual reception on Saturday, June 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Hitzig explains that his art evolved out of a furniture-making practice he developed while working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. Though starting with his love of the natural beauty of wood, his art evolved to include paintings and painted sculpture – both indoor and public – where he explores color and movement through linear patterns.
"Raining on the Moon," acrylic, shellac and gesso on birch panel. Courtesy of Rob HItzig
Throughout his artistic career, Hitzig has sought to create work that evokes emotional sensations beyond intellectual understanding. He does this with layers of color and abstract shapes, but most importantly with his use of shellac to hand polish each piece.
Hitzig methodically paints, sands, polishes, and shellacs the work multiple times before calling it complete. In fact, it is this process that he uses to physically blend the paints and construct the final work – allowing him to focus on the surface and finish of the artwork.
In “Chasing a Feeling,” he overtly asks viewers to not just look at the work, but to look into it and see what they experience.
The July 29 reception is free with Hitzig holding a Q&A session and short discussion at 6 p.m. This event is free; snacks and refreshments will be served.
With the exception of special events, Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop is open Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information online at axelsgallery.com.
Marbletown by Rob Hitzig