OXFORD – 6 On The Square (6OTS) announces the opening of its first formal solo art exhibit of the 2010 season. Starting on Wednesday, March 10, local “freestyle” artist Jill S. Kraft will present over two dozen of her pieces, depicting everything from large-scaled figurative works and landscapes to creative abstracts using gels, paper, glass and other diverse materials.

Kraft is a Chenango County native, born and raised in Norwich. She is a 2001 graduate of Norwich High School and a 2006 graduate of Morrisville State College, with a degree in journalism. Kraft is a self-taught artist, inspired since childhood by a family full of great artists. Particularly, she credits her eye for art from her professional photographer father. It was only natural for Kraft, surrounded by art, to feel the need to express her inner-self, so she began painting three years ago. The beautiful rolling hills in Chenango County, its quaint shops and country lifestyle have been Jill’s inspiration.

In just a short time, Jill’s paintings have evolved from scenic landscapes, to the human figure and beyond, playing with the diversity of what the abstract form represents. In all of her paintings it’s her bold use of rich color and form that are their strongest assets.

“Jill’s paintings evoke something unique to each viewer,” said John Knapp, 6 On The Square’s gallery coordinator.

From a lone sailboat on a broad lake, to a girl who sits in the spotlight unable to perform, Kraft creates the daily depictions of life’s journey, each with thought provoking emotions. In her abstract works, she mixes traditional style painting with untraditional values.