Jo Fleming Contemporary Art

“Thermal Lift”

by Patrice Drago

EXHIBITION: July 1–31
Reception & Artist Talk: Saturday July 11 | 5–8pm (talk at 6pm)

July 2026

Please join us throughout July for Thermal Lift, an exhibition of expressive abstracts and smaller works by Patrice Drago.

Drago is an Annapolis-based artist, with artistic roots in abstract expressionism. Having worked in all types of 2D media throughout her life, she is known primarily for creating abstract, non-objective work that flows back and forth between lyrical abstract expression, minimalism, and color field.

Her process for creating large abstract works is one of constant movement, with a continuous back and forth of addition and subtraction using stencils, scraping tools, texture mediums, hand-made paper, and spray paint.

"Thermal Lift is a series of dynamic, intensely atmospheric mixed-media paintings that capture the sensory and emotional experience of summer through layered imagery, luminous color, and bold, energetic brushstrokes, balanced by a group of small, contemplative abstractions that evoke quiet summer moments. Summer is freedom to me - both quiet and exciting at the same time. This body of work was intentional and almost entirely intuitive, using the mark making and collage placement that is random and intuitive to express the immediate – the present moment – providing a variation from the heavily structured schedule of my daily life.”—Drago

Also on show are Drago’s small contemporary abstractions and montages that create their own little worlds, and the zen process of their creation provides a balance between them and the excitement and physicality of producing the large dynamic works. Vibrant colors and energetic designs move serve as her primary inspiration, and the result is an underlying theme of sharp contrast and lightness of spirit.

In addition to her studio practice, Drago serves as Executive Director of MFA, is a board member of the Annapolis Arts District, heads the Annapolis Gallery Association, and has written the Capital Gazette Gallery Column since 2012.