“shiny & bright” opens april 4

BENSON - Ming Toy Gallery is pleased to host Courtney Kenny Porto's "Shiny & Bright" during the month of April. The opening reception is Friday, April 4, from 6 to 9pm at 6066 Maple Street in conjunction with Benson First Friday.

In this exhibition of smaller works, Porto explores light, color, and the irresistible allure of the glossy and bold. It brings together acrylic paintings of reflective, high-gloss subjects—gleaming candies, glistening spills and shimmering surfaces—alongside expressive, color-drenched abstract works.

Born and raised in Omaha, Porto’s work focuses largely on modern still life, femininity and humor. She graduated summa cum laude from Bethany College (Lindsborg, KS) with a BA in studio art.

Porto has exhibited work in numerous juried and solo exhibitions and public art projects throughout the United States and has work in several private and corporate collections. She is also the illustrator for Tender & True’s pet food packaging.

Below, the artist describes "Shiny & Bright" in her own words:

"The saturated, glossy textures in my representational pieces invite the viewer to indulge in a sense of playfulness and nostalgia, while my abstract paintings offer a more spontaneous, emotional exploration of color and form.

The contrast between precision and playfulness mirrors my ever-evolving creative process, where inspiration constantly pushes me to explore new techniques, styles, and media.

Shiny and Bright is an invitation to revel in the joy of color, light and the little indulgences that make life feel a bit more dazzling."

The exhibition is on display through April 26. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 6pm, Thursday from 5 to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm and by appointment (call or text 402.681.1901).