Wherefore Art…

Sam Gilliam is having an exhilarating show of new work at the Jefferson Place Gallery (2000 P St. NW). It consists of two parts, paintings on stretched canvas downstairs, and more experimental work — sewn, draped, glued and painted assemblages, and mini-environments– upstairs. Together they give clear picture of an artist with endless creative imagination, and consummate skill as a colorist. Gilliam’s current reputation as the brightest star in Washington’s artistic firmament is amply borne out here.