New Exhibit Opens at Cole-Noble Gallery

The newest exhibit at the Cole-Noble Gallery titled “Lovely Things Happen” by Stuart Troxel will open to the public during the IDADA First Friday Tours on Friday, May 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. The opening is sponsored by Rock Bottom Brewery.

Troxel is a painter, writer and recording artist. The exhibit reflects his multiple talents, with more than 25 works of visual art including portraits, still lifes and cover illustrations for his recently published comedic novel “Where The Clouds Live”. The book depicts the story of Colonel Arthur Paddington Tidsworth III Jr., a British oil tycoon who travels the globe searching for love in a hot air balloon. Set during World War II, the book is an extraordinary tale full of adventure, romance, and somewhat bizarre humor.

Within the exhibit, there are three paintings based on characters from the book, two of which appear on the cover. “None of the paintings depict any actual event in the book because the stories are, at times, so fantastical that literate depictions of events in the book would give away too much of the plot's surprises, “ said Troxel.

“Two of the paintings are solo-portraits of the main characters, Colonel Tidsworth and his Jack Russell terrier, Reuben. The other is a scene of them on the beach. All three of these paintings feature a red/blue palette to signify the flag of Great Britain, where much of the story takes place.”

The title of the exhibit comes from two 1970s era posters that hang in Troxel’s daughter’s bedroom. One says “Lovely Things Happen When You Love Somebody” and the other “Make Love Not War.” He used both of these to write a song that carries a early 1960’s feel. The phrase “Lovely Things Happen” has since become his mantra, providing a sense of optimism.

“I want visitors to see that humor and optimism can be used in art without taking away any intellectual merit that the artist/work may have, “ added Troxel.

The exhibit is free, open to the public and runs through the end of July. “Where The Clouds Live” is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Troxel’s music is available through iTunes. For more information about Troxel’s art, music and books, visit www.stuarttroxel.com