It’s Raining Love: This piece of art by Heidi Brueckner could have many meanings for those who stop into the Crary Art Gallery to see its colors and range in person. From children telling a tale to one another, to siblings plotting, the viewer’s imagination is the limit behind this artwork.

Different perceptions, especially when it comes to the artistic works of the mind, run rampant beginning Saturday at the Crary Art Gallery, 511 Market St., Warren.

“What you see is not always what you paint. What you paint is not always what you see,” said Jean Gomory, Crary Art Gallery board member.

Opening Saturday and running until May 5, two exhibiting artists: Heidi Brueckner and Ken Karlic will have their artwork on display for the general public to enjoy.

Heidi Brueckner’s exhibition, “Poetic Personage: Portraits by Heidi Brueckner” will explore human nature’s relationship to storytelling.

Brueckner’s work studies the characteristics that frame the making of humanity. Personality, appearance, actions and interactions — just to name a few. These characteristics encompass both internal and external attributes. She seeks to honor those who are under-revered and portrays them with dignity within her work. She has noticed that color can be used as an “equalizer” and, therefore, divorces color from naturalism. Skin tones, and the colors of other items in the painting, appear in interesting but unrealistic shades.

When asked about humanity’s relation to storytelling, Brueckner stated, “The storyline certainly is left open to the viewer to create their own interpretation about the subjects portrayed.”

The viewer of Brueckner’s work is left to ponder questions such as, “What kind of person is this?”; “What is their background?”; “What is their personality like?”; “Why are they placed in those particular surroundings?”, “What is their body language saying?”; “How do they present themselves?,” and are given permission to write their own story about the image seen. Although she has extensive experience painting from life, the portraits in this series are from photographs of family, friends and people with whom she had some social interaction.

On the other hand, Ken Karlic’s body of work, “Oil and Water,” will challenge viewers to consider the concept of essence.

Karlic exhibits his artwork regularly in the Mid-Atlantic region as well as painting in national juried Plein Air events during the National Juried Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts Competition. Karlic’s education consists of graphic design, painting and architecture. Blending these disciplines allows him to create a unique style all his own. His exhibition, “Oil and Water,” will draw the viewer into a perception that starts with form and ends in a state of disarrangement.

Descending into chaos is usually considered a bad thing; however not when discussing a Karlic painting. Beginning with a structured drawing, marks, scratches and drips work their way in to create a physical presence that is the final piece. His approach to a subject involves a mix of representational realism and a variety of abstraction. Structural detail is abandoned in favor of the essence of a subject.

When asked how he knows if or when he has captured a subject’s essence Karlic stated, “It’s an intuitive feeling type of thing. Sometimes you come across something really special.”

Both artists express and externalize different perceptions of the world around them. Although their work is markedly different, they each explore what makes up a person, or what makes up a place. See the essence captured in each brushstroke by attending the opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. An artist talk will begin during the services at 6 p.m.

For those individuals who cannot make the opening reception, the Crary Art Gallery is open to visitors Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. during exhibitions. Admission is always free.

The Crary Art Gallery is a non-profit private art museum located at the corner of Market Street and 6th Avenue in historic downtown Warren. For more information, visit craryartgallery.org.