George Washington, In A New Light

 DANBURY — During the month of February, Thirteen Gallery will present “George Washington and His Best Friends,” an exhibition of paintings and prints by Mary Dwyer.

Ms Dwyer says about the series, “This work is my jestful interpretation of Washington’s relationships. I am not really lampooning Washington so much as historians and their power to have the last word.” Instead of taking historical documentary as the absolute truth, Ms Dwyer has taken quotes and other dramatized “fact” from the period and used them to her own advantage.

Ms Dwyer first chooses individuals in American history to research, and then creates works that illustrate their story. She often uses historical events that are familiar in their outline, but unfamiliar in detail to those who have not studied these figures since leaving school.

Referring to George Washington, the artist says, “After my research, I have newfound respect for him. The myth of Washington, being a stiff and unsmiling guy, had me wondering what his personal relationships were like. These paintings are my contribution to his myth.” Ms Dwyer’s Washington series features the first American Pesident interacting with figures such as Paul Revere, Betsy Ross and Benedict Arnold, blending historical fact with a sense of whimsy.

There will be an artist’s opening for “George Washington and His Best Friends” on Friday, February 4, from 7 to 10 pm. The exhibition will remain on view until February 26.

Thirteen is open Wednesday through Friday from 6 to 9 pm, and Saturdays from noon to 4 pm. All other hours are by appointment. For further information, call 790-6754. The gallery is at 13 Library Place, just off Main Street.