Against the Grain

Artist Vic Barr's woodworking skills did not manifest overnight. As a boy, he tapped and tinkered with nails and bits of lumber until his interest in the intriguing patterns of wood grain grew into an obsession. Barr's dedication to his craft shows in his pieces, both loudly in their beauty and softly in the details. His choice of wood varies from the usual suspects like rosewood, mahogany and maple to more exotic finds: cocobolo, yellowheart and paella (not to be confused with the Spanish dish). Barr's pieces are of quite a spectrum, as well: tables, pens, clocks, jewelry chests, bowls and knife handles. Gateway Gallery (21 North Bemiston Avenue, Clayton; 314-402-1959 or www.gatewaygalleryonline.com) opens its doors today for viewers to wistfully gaze upon Barr's latest collection of work, Under Construction. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A free opening reception will be held tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Feb. 22. Continues through March 31, 2012