Springfield-based painter Jim Allen recently returned from Ohio where he studied under Ohio artist Pheoria West, thanks to a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant. Under West's tutelage, Allen delved into collage -- a process well suited to his aim of producing paintings that bring together disparate images culled from growing up in New York City and Monroe, North Carolina. Steeped in personal mythology, Allen's work references history, spiritual concerns, and moments of everyday living.

In Blue, the Central Gallery exhibit opening November 12, Allen uses the title color to bring coherence to the work, to evoke a sense of memory distilled in the imagery, and to suggest a mood of contemplation. These paintings border on abstraction, yet incorporate vignettes of identifiable narratives. Allen's painting style makes use of symbolic imagery, allowing the viewer to connect with the work.

Allen's interest in art began decades ago in Texas where he volunteered in a frame shop. He eventually developed the skills needed to open his own frame shop, complete with a gallery for contemporary works. Over time, his passion for collecting the paintings of up and coming artists increased. Finally, a mere three years ago, Allen put aside the promotion of other's work to commit fully to his own painting. Despite his devotion to the art, Allen still finds time to give back to the community; he has been on the panel of judges for the Annual Hartford Youth Renaissance Program for two years, and is presently planning to offer his works in a fund-raiser for Leukemia Research.

Admission to Central Gallery is free. For more information, call545-2804.