The public has until Friday, Oct. 28 to take in the vibrant colors used by Paula Prager in her solo exhibit at the Alpert Jewish Community Center. “The Energy of Color” exhibit in Long Beach uses vivid hues to elicit an emotional response from viewers.
“I want people to realize that the artwork evokes something to you,” Prager said. “You need to get something from it and that’s what color does. Color comes off the page and says something to you. Beyond whether you like it or you don’t like it, it’s supposed to create something for you to think about.”
The exhibit includes both abstract acrylic paintings and fused glass sculptures: each piece contains eye-catching combinations of colors, boasting royal blue, periwinkle, tiger orange, lemon yellow, lavender, orchid purple and many more. Her paintings are a billowing amalgamation of hues from across the color spectrum. Prager’s late husband, B’nai Faulkner, left a deep impression on Prager’s work. The couple were both believers in astrology, with Prager being influenced by metaphysical aspects of color in her work. Prager was previously a water colorist, but turned to acrylic after a suggestion from Faulkner.
“He said, ‘You need to be more vibrant with your work and I think you’ll get that through acrylics,’” Prager said.
Prager had been mourning the loss of her husband for a year when a friend suggested trying glasswork to help fill her days and lift her spirits. After seeing and being impressed by her friend’s glass work, Prager began making jewelry.
Eventually she began to create glass sculptures inspired by her Jewish heritage, utilizing her signature rainbow of colors.
Her sculpture “L’Chaim” on display at the Alpert Jewish Community Center includes the Star of David at the center, with multicolored branches radiating from it. Other glass sculptures included in the exhibit resemble candy-colored menorahs.
Prager will be turning 78 on Oct. 31, and has no plans to stop making art. She encourages other seniors to explore creative expression.
“It’s my time to create during the golden years of my life, the time that I have left,” Prager said. “And it’s very cathartic. I think it’s wonderful for all seniors, if they have any kind of passion and they have a will to do it and a way to do it—Do it now. Don’t wait ‘till tomorrow.”
“The Energy of Color” will be on display until Friday, Oct. 28 at the Alpert Jewish Community Center, located at 3801 E. Willow St. The exhibit is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
