In this collaboration between painter and poet, the theme of  "Beauty in the Darkness," is explored in word and image. A poetry reading will be performed twice during the Opening Reception, at 5:30pm and 7 pm; the paintings will be on view at The Art Gallery at HJ’s, 6425 Wornall Road, KCMO  64113, July 8-August 17. DJ Hyde Matheny, currently practices as a contemporary realist oil painter whose portraits and landscapes are evocative of a sense of mystery, stillness and emotional depth that encourage contemplation or introspection. Poet t.l. sanders is an educator and a performance professional based in Kansas City, MO. He is the author of kNew: the POETIC screenplay as well as the producer of kNew: The Poetical Performance. In 2021, he was Missouri Arts Council Featured Artist.