Celebrate Creativity! - Throughout 2010 we will feature local artists in our gallery.
See information below regarding our upcoming show.
Upcoming Exhibit: Unexpected Journeys
Opening Reception: Setember 10 | 6-10pm | FREE
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Michele Hermansen of New Richmond, WI
Photojournalism
In 2005, Michele Hermansen began a journey that consumed her mind and soul and would leave her changed for life. In her job as her company's vice president of national sales, Michele traveled the US with many Fortune 500 executives. She maintained a strict, almost obsessive
control of her life and emotions until African villagers helped her burst from the armor with which whe surrounded herself.
Michele was drawn to Tanzania to help members of a small villave to improve day-to-day life. Unexpexcted Journeys is the candid account of a life changed. It is the story of the incredible potential that exists within each of us.
In Unexpected Journeys, Michele's passion is expressed through her photojournalism. Each photo tells an emotional story that needs few words.
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Robyne Robinson of Minneapolis, MN
Jewelry
"I started making jewelry when I was about 12 or 13, " says Robyne Robinson, creator and designer of Rox Minneapolis. "But I didn't know it was because my mother didn't have the money to buy a whole bunch of Christmas presents on a teacher's salary every year --. She made it a fun trip to the bead store with my sister, and we'd make designs for all our friends."
Three decades later, her creative spark for creating necklaces, bracelets and earrings was triggered by a fluke. "My boyfriend is Greek, and he carries his worry beads everywhere -- some are coral, or made of bone. I told him if I really tried, I could make one. He'd let me know if they had flaws, and when they hit the mark. Next thing I know, his friends and family all wanted them."
Soon, Robyne's passion for making jewelry exploded - the former Minneapolis news anchor and former art gallery owner found herself heading a new business called Rox.
"I love using semi-precious stones in my jewelry - amber or carnelian, jade; there are so many different types of rocks and stones that have been used for health, beauty, spirituality and trade, from the Pharaohs until today. We just have a ntural attraction to the rocks under our feet."
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Rhonda Willers of Elk Mound, WI
Ceramics
A poetic power manifests itself in silence. Strength and subtlety intertwine during our encounters with the contemplative. Using these deafeningly subdued experiences, I seek to promote metaphoric and physical relationships with my ceramic vessels, drawings and mixed-media sculptures.
Often the seemingly unimportant events, when reflected upon, become the most meaningful experiences when they conclude and
become part of the past. I choose forms that reference common shapes found in nature, while simultaneously remaining
unidentifiable to a specific object, as a way to articulate the connection of our own self to our past experiences. Both past experiences and natural forms exemplify the "spiritual and non-material value" found in our daily lives; these are precious.
The seemingly simple nature of these forms requires keen observation of the sensitive and subtle changes within each piece.
Delicate linear edges provide a point of tension in otherwise dependable forms. With steady rhythmic expansions, the ceramic vessel forms share an openness while referring to a much deeper abyss. Through graphite drawings and other mixed-media materials, I study these depths from both preliminary and reactive perspectives. In instances, forms and imagery are literally physically connected to one another and also then, permanently separated from one another, much like how our memories and past experiences exist.
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Spring/Summer 2010: Drop Thoughts - a community art project
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The concept behind Drop Thoughts
Do you have an unspoken thought that you have never shared with anyone before? If so, you are invited to anonymously contribute an unspoken thought to our community art project. Your unspoken thought can be a regret, a fear, betrayal, desire, dream, wish or confession. As long as it is true you are welcome to reveal anything.
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Winter 2010: First Impressions
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Tom Lindfors of Star Prairie, WI
Photography
I use my photography to communicate the connections I feel between people. I use it to compel in us a sense of community. "First Impressions" is everyday people sharing what they have learned in life." |
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Sarah Dudgeon of Amery, WI
Pottery
"As a potter, I am able to express my perception of beauty in functional forms that others may use and enjoy in their daily lives. Every time the door of the kiln is opened, new suprises await anxious hands."
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Zoe Thouin-Rochester of Amery, WI
Jewelry
"Not only do beads connect people to other geographical regions, but beads connect people to the past. When I integrate trade beads into my necklaces, I feel like I am symbolically channeling the lives of those who were drawn to and loved these beads as much as I."
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