“Moments of Eternity” by painter Mark Stephenson opens at Nature Art Gallery August 7

For immediate release ‐ January 01, 1970

Contact: Emelia Cowans, 919.707.9837. Images available upon request

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Nature Art Gallery presents “Moments of Eternity,” a series of oil paintings by North Carolina native Mark Stephenson, Friday, August 7 through Monday, August 31. A reception for the artist will be held in the Gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. on opening night. “Moments of Eternity” is inspired by the writings of H.D. Thoreau, as Thoreau’s writings and philosophy parallel Stephenson’s philosophy as a painter.

“When you are motionless in nature and become one with it, you gain Nature’s trust,” says Stephenson. “The hidden reveals itself: a great horned owl lights on a limb just above your head, a herd of dairy cows part as they pass you on their way to be milked, the animals and insects, the trees, grass, and rocks awaken and you realize it is all one life consisting of uncountable manifestations – and you are one with it. This is ultimately why I paint landscapes. It is a never ending process. All of nature is beautiful and inspiring.”

Stephenson is a graduate of Pfeiffer University, NC State University and UNC-Greensboro where he earned degrees in engineering and music. He relocated to New York City in the 1990s where he studied at the Art Students League with noted painters and sculptors Frank O’Cain, Leonid Gervitz and Leonid Lerman. Since returning to North Carolina, Stephenson has been a full-time artist, devoting much of his time to commissioned portraits. He has exhibited in many national juried shows and his work has been featured in solo shows throughout the state. In May 2014, he was an artist-in-residence at La Macina di San Cresci, Italy. Other recent projects include selection as one of nine 2014 Community Supported Artists by the Arts and Science Council.

Stephenson is also a member of Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of America, American Impressionist Society, and the Campagna Society of Artists. He and his wife Caroline have one son, James, and a new daughter, Emma.

The Nature Art Gallery is located on the top floor of the Museum Store, (1st floor, main building). Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4:45 p.m.; and open until 9 p.m. on First Fridays. All exhibited art is for sale. For more information about the Nature Art Gallery, call 919.707.9854.


First Friday is a free, family-friendly social event held the first Friday of each month at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, shopping, food and spirits until 9 p.m. The Natural Horror Picture Show (a vintage, sci-fi flick of ‘B’ movie caliber) begins at 7 p.m. Arrive early for live music and a film short from the A/V Geeks archive. For information, call 919.707.9800.

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