Space for Joy

Juni Van Dyke

March 25—April 25, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 28, 4–6 p.m. 

"Color in a picture is like enthusiasm in life." Vincent Van Gogh

On Being a Colorist, Juni Van Dyke

It has been said that one can live in the dreariest corners of the world all the while performing color miracles on the dreariest of days. German artists Nolde and Kandinsky did just that during the dark impending doom of war, suggesting color to be more a matter of preference for expression rather than allegiance to source.  Perhaps color for these courageous artists was embedded in a sense of optimism and hope despite all odds.

From my earliest years, I have always loved color:  patent-leather shoes–shiny, black like a candy you wanted to taste; a pink dress that belonged to someone else; bright yellow soap; an orange crayon. These held my attention not so much for what they were, but for the magic of their color.  Now, into my eighty-fourth year, color still motivates my need to share the joy.

Using abstract forms, I invite the viewer to experience my work without the interruption of titles.  Energized by the interaction, I find viewer interpretation fascinating and exciting– valid without exception.

Music is often with me as I paint.

I treasure this quote by Miles Davis:  

"Music is painting you can hear 
And painting is music you can see." 

Untitled 2023 acrylic on canvas 20 x 16

Untitled 2020 acrylic on canvas 24 x 22

About the Artist

Juni Van Dyke is a graduate of The School of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and holds a BFA and MAT from Tufts University. Van Dyke is a recipient of The St. Botolph Foundation Award, Boston. Van Dyke's work is held in the permanent collection of The Cape Ann Museum; The Carney Center of Art at The College of The Holy Cross; and in numerous private collections. 

Past exhibitions include The Fuller Art Museum; The Boston Center for the Arts; The Barrington Center for the Arts/ Gordon College; Bromfield Gallery/Boston; KingstonGallery/Boston; The South Shore Arts Center; The Jane Deering Gallery/ Santa Barbara, California; and Gloucester; The Ava Gallery/Lebanon, NH and Paul Manship Residency/Gloucester. Van Dyke's work is represented throughout the country by the home furnishing company Room&Board.