Capturing instances of natural beauty in precious metals and glass relates the natural and physical worlds for me in forms we can enjoy daily in urban environments.  Other inspiration comes from within, as expressions of continuing spiritual discovery.  My work connects elements we find beautiful in the external world with personal visions held closely in our hearts.

My creative journey began with my first box of 64 Crayolas.  Dual interests in art and science led to a B.S. degree from Cornell University with specialties in scientific writing and illustration.  Living in Northern Virginia for 30 years added studies in calligraphy, fiber arts, stained glass, hot glass and metalsmithing along with acting as a volunteer naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation and plant specialist with the local extension service. My work was exhibited in the Washington DC metro area and Shenandoah galleries.

I really treasure hearing the messages communicated by my artwork to someone else.  Sometimes these messages are ones I intended to convey, sometimes they are one I didn't realize were there -- part of being an artist I find endlessly fascinating and wonderful.  

  The Summer Art Explosion was a terrific success, and there was a lot of wonderful art  on display. The winners have been announced, and they are as follows:

 Best of Show - Jennie Tomlin
                                 
     Two-Dimensional Art                                   Unaltered Photography
 1st Place - Malia Bryugelson                               1st Place - Deb Russell      
 2nd Place - Anita Ammerman                               2nd Place - Dan Wray  
    3rd Place - Susan Lackey                                 3rd Place - Craig Marsh

                               Three-Dimensional Art:                                  Altered Photography:
                               1st Place - Judy Abdelaziz                                1st Place - Deb Russell
                                  2nd Place - Celia Blake                                2nd Place - Reda Icenhour

                              3rd Place - Shakeeka Watts                                  3rd Place - Ed Lipe


Honorable Mentions:  Jane Rogers, Pete Brown, Leslie Carter, Susan Nuttall, Dan Wray,  Shakeeka Watts and Jim Thompson

Pottery by Judy Abdelaziz

Unaltered Photography by Craig Marsh

Altered Photography by Deb Russell

Congratulations to all the winners, and   

THANK YOU to the Stanly News and Press for helping sponsor the show.

1. Just a reminder that the Gallery will be closed on Saturday, August 24th while we give the Gallery a much needed sprucing up.  If you would like to help paint or move items, sign up at the Gallery.
2. As summer is a time for many vacations, we are always more short handed for staffing.  If you can help us out by taking a shift or two in August, contact Wendy or Jeff Hillhouse at 704-986-0494 or sign up in Google Calendar.
3. Art of the Vine is finally picking up momentum.  We have hosts booked out through the rest of 2013, but if you have an idea for theme and the enthusiasm to create some fun art play time for adults, contact Nancy at 704-754-0543.

• Toni Gaalaas has been teaching a series of metal-working classes in her home to experienced artists wanting to hone and refines their skills. These classes run through August 17.
• Judith and Jerry Williams spent a week at a pottery workshop at Wildacres near Little Switzerland.  The guest instructor was Sylvia Coppola.  They had two gas reduction firings and multiple raku firings.
• Dan Wray had a picture published in the July/August issue of "Alive Now," a publication of the Upper Room ministries.  The picture is of a clay pot that was being made by Bobbie Listerman who was turning clay at the gallery.
• Annette Lowder is studying abroad in China until August 19. She's staying and studying at the Sanbao Ceramic Studio in Jingdezhen.