The Emile A. Gruppe Gallery is pleased to present “Slow Journey”, a collection of acrylic and watercolor paintings by Gretchen Alexander.  “Journey” is often used as a metaphor for life experience; a collection of the moments that make up one’s past, present and future.  Through her paintings, Alexander ponders the idea that through slowing down to observe an individual moment, it is possible to expand one’s experience beyond the horizon of a human lifespan.  The river that has been etching its initials into the bedrock for thousands of years and will for thousands more; the tree that germinated long before you were born and will still be standing when you return to the earth…  Growth and change that occurs around us in imperceptible slowness to our awareness, and yet is present, nonetheless.  Alexander posits that in slowing into these moments and integrating them into one’s personal journey, one transcends time and opens up pathways for personal growth.  Alexander’s work varies from impressionistic to conceptual and draws heavily on her long career as a river ecologist, especially apparent in a series of paintings about river processes that bridge her love of art and natural science.  Her landscapes are vivid interpretations of natural subjects chosen for their great significance in her own personal journey.  An opening reception will be held Sunday, July 2nd from 1 – 3 pm.  The show hangs through August 6th at the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery at 22 Barber Farm Road in Jericho, VT.  For more information call 802-899-3211 or go to www.emilegruppegallery.com.