“murmurations” opens jan. 3

BENSON CREATIVE DISTRICT - Ming Toy Gallery is pleased to host Brad Marr's "Murmurations" during the month of January. The opening reception is Friday, Jan. 3, at 6066 Maple Street in downtown Benson in conjunction with Benson First Friday. It starts at 6:00pm.

Marr, who calls Omaha home, earned his BFA in painting from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He also served as a residency technician at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Marr's innovative paintings often incorporate acrylic paint and metal leaf on wood panel. His work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the country, and his pieces can be found in private and corporate art collections from coast to coast. While primarily focusing on painting, Marr also applies his explorative approach to sculptures and light-based art mediums.

In "Murmurations," he seeks to capture the mesmerizing, rhythmic dance of flocking birds often seen during migration. Rather than painting the birds themselves, he depicts an abstraction of their fluid movements, conveying a sense of energy and flow. This approach of creating distinct series of works, each with its own theme and concept, is one he has embraced throughout his artistic career, drawing parallels to a musician crafting unique albums.

"Murmurations" runs through Feb. 1 at Ming Toy Gallery.

Winter gallery hours are:

• Wednesday: 1pm to 6pm

• Thursday: 5pm to 8pm

• Friday: 1pm to 6pm

• Saturday: 10am to 1pm

• + by appointment (call or text 402.681.1901)