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Art show shares valentines that span 26 years

By Donald Munro - The Fresno Bee

Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 | 12:00 AM

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Whatever the emotional arc of a piece, however, the exhibition has a sweet, stirring sense of commitment. Add to that the consummate craftsmanship and artistic flair of the various hearts, and it's an inspiration.

Plus, there's just something pleasing about heart-shaped things.

"They're symmetrical," LeCocq says. "Symmetrical things are well-balanced and easy to understand and easy to perceive."

But don't think you have to be a professional artist to buck the commercialism of Valentine's Day by making a gift for your beloved. Yes, we're pushed by retailers to buy expensive presents. Give her a diamond! Buy him a sports car!

It doesn't have to be that way.

"Another reason I love having these shows is because I want to inspire other people to do it," LeCocq says. "Who wants another box of candy? You just put on the weight. Flowers die. It's extra special when someone "has invested time and energy and thought about you while they're making something."

And think about it: Hearts are so simple to make. You can make them out of anything. And if you use the trusty grade-school folded-paper technique, it doesn't matter how well you cut a heart. Unfold that paper and it's perfectly symmetrical.

So, after all these years, does LeCocq have a favorite among all the valentines she's received from Medley?

"No," she says after a pause. "I love them all."

Which, when you're talking about matters of the heart, is a pretty great answer.

ART EXHIBITION

"26 Years of Valentines" and "Hearts," through March 3, Gallery 25, 660 Van Ness Ave. Noon-4 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. gallery25.org, (559) 264-4092. Free.

-- LeCocq and Medley will be at the gallery 5-8 p.m. on Valentine's Day. They hope to attract couples looking for a romantic exhibit before or after dinner.


The columnist can be reached at dmunro@fresnobee.com, (559) 441-6373 or @donaldbeearts on Twitter. Read his blog at fresnobeehive.com.

Similar stories:

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  • 'Breakthrough' brings up-and-coming artists together

  • Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin meet in English field

  • Longtime couples to perform Valentine's Day weddings in downtown Fresno

  • Local events for week of Feb. 8-14

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