“My art is a study of people, animals, and life.”

That art, by Kristina C. Giunta-Faulkner, is being featured in a free exhibit – “Dreams Begin Where Rainbows End” – through August 30 in the Wetmore Gallery at Warren Public Library. A reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. there on Friday, Aug. 30.

“Art, to me, is not just a well-executed landscape, or the stunning likeness of a protrait, let’s not leave out the finite details of a still life, or the ever-so important to everyone who knows nothng about art, except what they like,” said Faulkner. “Shadows, personally I care very little for shading. “My work is explosive, expressionistic, stylized. I love to tell stories of the life I have lived, and the life I would like to live.”

Faulkner has had dozens of exhibited shows in the region, has won awards, and been both a student and teacher of art.

She’s drawn to the world’s most famous artists for her inspiration.

“Everyone asks me if I know this artist, someone they found in a magazine,” said Faulkner. “No! Why not study the best? The famous artists, which I am drawn to, partly because they were rebels of their time, but also because something in my soul just relates to their works. Of course, time moves on, and now I am inspired by all the most cutting-edge artists of our time (as well).”

Faulkner’s paintings capture “the tiny moments in life that most people are too busy living, surviving, to notice,” she said. “These moments are just a flash and then they are gone forever.”

The moments that make you want to stop and capture with your cell phone camera, and share a two-inch picture with a friend, and then it’s gone into the cloud, or wherever… “This is what makes it art. I celebrate those memories with paintings to be cherished by many people for years.”

Celebrating her 45th high school reunion next month, Faulkner grew up in Warren and owns Star Studio in Warren, and Star Studio North in Jamestown, where she now lives.

She’s the daughter of Dr. James D. Giunta, who was a dentist in Warren for many years.