Artist tries to stir interest in preserving environment

CARTUCHE

511 N. Charles St. "John B. Sills, Oil on Linen."

The atmospheric landscapes of Baltimore native John B. Sills (on display through mid-July) portray the countryside as he imagines it was hundreds of years ago, before man got a hold of it, says gallery director Marc Horowitz. Sills himself says he aims to raise public awareness of the environment and encourage active participation in its protection and preservation. A graduate of Towson State and the Baltimore's Schuler School of Fine Arts, a school that teaches traditional painting techniques based on the old masters, Sills also paints still lifes and tromp l'oeil. A reception today at 6 p.m. opens the exhibit of 68 pieces. Call 783-5550.

Agate: 955 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie. "Cows and China"

This exhibit of works by Barbara Kerr (through July 5 with a reception tonight from 7 to 9:30), features more than a dozen watercolors and mixed media paintings of -- as the title indicates -- cows and flatware china. Ms. Kerr, a native Californian, began painting as a child, working first in oils before changing to watercolors in 1976. An Arnold resident, Ms. Kerr has studied abroad with Miles Batt, Frank Webb and Serge Hollerbach. She has received awards from the Maryland Federation of Art, the Bay Country Art Guild and the Baltimore Watercolor Society. Call 544-4142.

Gwen Gant