The 2025 Willow Art Exhibit and Sale
Each summer, Willow gathers a vibrant community of artists, collectors, and viewers who share a love for realism and a belief that it has new ground to explore.
The 2025 exhibit — titled FLOWSTATE — celebrates the moment of encounter between a viewer and a work of art. We have experienced that moment as deep connection, as a feeling of resonance or meaning. In that moment, our attention is grabbed and drawn out of ordinary time and space. We tune in to the state of perfect flow between the natural and supernatural worlds.
True meaning is found not in complex analysis, but in the unconditioned act of noticing moments like these. The 2025 Exhibit invites you to notice and celebrate what arises as you encounter the artworks in this collection.
FLOWSTATE Catalogue
Turning Inward
Every lover of art brings their own way of seeing, Are you drawn in by the subject, by vibrant color, expert composition, brush technique, or by the emotive force of a work? At our show, every entry point is treasured. You might wax on about a brushstroke that pulls a canvas together or a line that moves a sculpture from one mood to another. You may respond to a subject, a gesture, a burst of color, a brushstroke. You might be drawn to the harmony of a composition or the emotional force in a facial expression. These layers are what make great works of art so rich and enduring.
The works in this year’s show were created in a state of flow with nature, material and essence. The composition was known before the first mark went down. Value ranges were intentional from the outset and mixing on the palette responded accordingly. What the artist saw and how they would represent it was never in question. Marks went down with a sense of pull, not push. Each mark landed and foretold what must come next. Few corrective passes were needed.
Works created with this level of attunement are sacred. The artwork transcends mere depiction—it transmits something larger than the subject and more expansive than even the artist’s vision. It hums with life and you’re invited to tune in to that life yourself, personally.
Samuel Davis, Maelström (2025)
What do you “see” in artwork?
We invite you to come to this show ready to yield to your senses. Turn inward to explore what matters to you about the artworks you encounter. When you see the artworks and meet their creators, we encourage you to let your reactions flow freely.
If you like an artwork because it tells a story, great! If you love it for the composition, wax on! If you love color, or Vermont landscapes, or nude figures or academic studies, this is the show for you! Great art has it’s own unfolding life and it isn’t complete until it’s seen. Collectors and viewers are part of the creative ecosystem—without you, artwork disappears and the mundane world reigns
Gaby Nighan, Yagya (2025)
Devin Cecil-Wishing, Outskirts #4: Shrine (2024)
Meet the Artists from Grand Central Atelier
This exhibit brought 40 artists and 100 works together. Contributing artists are trained or teach at Grand Central Atelier in Brooklyn, NY. Their portraits, figures, landscapes, and florals — created from life — demonstrate technical skill, artistic vision, and deep understanding of form, nature, and the sensuous world around us.
Contemporary Classical Realism is an artistic movement that combines the techniques and principles of classical art with a contemporary approach. It emphasizes skillful draftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a focus on capturing the beauty and essence of the natural world.
In some ways, this movement is not entirely new. Instead, it is a radical renewal of values worth cultivating. It invites us to appreciate the timeless techniques of the past while embracing the contemporary world we live in. It celebrates the skill, dedication, and vision of talented artists who push the boundaries of traditional art, creating works that are technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
A digital catalogue is now available. The catalogue features hi-resolution photographs and information on all artworks. You may look through the catalogue in anticipation of seeing the works in person, but you may also purchase directly from the catalogue before the show opens.
Grant Perry, Stygian (2025)
Your Patronage Supports Artists
Thank you for considering the purchase of these exceptional artworks and for supporting the artists of Grand Central Atelier in their teaching and study. Your support plays a vital role in sustaining the artistic community and ensuring the continuation of classical art education. By investing in these artists, you become a part of their journey and help foster a thriving artistic ecosystem of teacher, student, and patron.
We invite you to explore the artworks on display, knowing that your purchase will have a meaningful impact on the artists' ongoing and work. Your support will contribute directly to the renewal of a timeless tradition and help to shape a new and contemporary vision for the art world.
© 2025 FLOWSTATE: Connecting Through Art. An Exhibit of Contemporary Classical Realism. All rights reserved.