Local surrealistic painter Stephanie Oplinger announces her first solo exhibition, titled A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT DREAM, opening on July 1 and continuing through August 31. The opening reception takes places Thursday, July 11, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The reception will also feature live music by Andrew P. DeBroeck and live modelings of Stephanie’s wearable art sculptures.

The nearly two dozen paintings comprising the collection, featuring deeply dreamy and surreal imagery, are sure to enchant visitors at the Center. Stephanie’s unique combination of our world and the surreal dreamscapes of her imagination serve to express the moment when our perception of reality ends and daydreaming begins. Oplinger is known for her work in the permanent Special Art Collection at the Greater Latrobe SHS and is noted for her use of bold, vibrant colors and a strong contrast between light and shadow.

This collection of paintings, titled similarly to the famous Shakespearean play, evokes feelings of starry summer nights and the strange webs we weave in our dreams. Her work features images of human figures in relation to nature, space, and narrative. Not only dreamy and imaginative, but her work is also deeply intense and emotional.

Imbued with feelings of escapism and visuals of symbolism, her work makes a connection between lighter imaginative stories and deeper real-world meanings. Such is the piece PYRE AMONG THE STARS, last seen on display at last fall’s GLSD’s Annual Art Gala.

The opening reception on July 11th has a few additional surprises in store, with the first time the public will be able to view her wearable art sculptures worn by live models. One such sculpture is an evening gown made out of 2,000 spoons, producing an effect resembling dragon scales.