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‘Sharing the Muse’ At Carlton Gallery’s 31st Autumn Group Exhibition; Artists’ Reception Saturday, Sept. 28

Sept. 23, 2013. September brings a seasonal change to the High Country as Carlton Gallery hosts its 31st Autumn Group Exhibition on Saturday, Sept. 28. An Artists’ Reception will light hors d’oeuvres is planned from 2-5 p.m. when some of the standing gallery artists will be present to meet visitors and patrons. This event coincides with the Avery Tour de Art on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The gallery is decorated with colors, textures and accouterments of the autumn season, while the art in Carlton Gallery reflects the artist’s interpretation of the diversity and beauty of the area’s scenic streams, waterfalls, vistas and mountain peaks. The 31st Autumn Exhibition also showcases sculpture, glass, wood, clay, wearable fiber art and fine jewelry by the talented local and regional artisans represented by the gallery. 

Kate Worm - Figurative watercolorA “Sharing the Muse” exhibition by Kate Corm, Vae Hamilton and Mary Dobbin is a highlight of Carlton Gallery’s 31st Autumn Group Exhibition. In classical Greek, the Muses were nine goddesses essential to the creation of art. In contemporary English usage, Muse refers to a person who inspires an artist, writer or musician. Artists Kate Worm, Vae Hamilton and Mary Dobbin have inspired and supported each other for many years in Catawba County, although Dobbin now resides in New York City.

Kate Worm is noted for her figurative paintings rendered in water color and gouache. She employs careful manipulations of light, form, color and composition to create a balanced image that is sensual, mysterious and inviting. Along with depicting the female form in particular state, her paintings also explore how the body moves, flows and changes. They are a celebration of the female form and commentary on woman’s commanding visual presence in the world, in addition to her humanity and intellect. Her figurative works are also a record of not just the physical but of the time and culture. 

In addition to her figurative works, Kate Worm renders abstracted landscapes which are imaginative and brilliant in color. She sketches and paints on location which allows her to explore abstract shapes in wooded interiors. Worm continues in her studio where she paints on a larger canvas using a lengthy process of applying many layers of oils and sometimes removes paint to create a dark/light pattern.

Vae Hamilton’s beautiful paintings convey her connection and deep understanding of horses throughout her life. From childhood on, her love and fascination of horses remains strong as she captures on canvas the spirit and beauty of the horse. 

Hamilton earned an art degree from Western Illinois University and the University of Colorado. In addition to being a professional artist, she teachers workshops throughout the Southeast. “The Basics and Beyond” mixed media collage workshop taught by Hamilton is planned for Oct. 8, 9 and 10 at Carlton Gallery. 

Mary Dobbin’s recent still life paintings reflect her new residence in New York City. From her home she has a picturesque setting of the East River with the majestic environs of New York City in the background. Her paintings are rendered with bold, lively brushstrokes and rich colors with the stationary items showcased through textures, light and atmosphere. 

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dobbin earned a MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She states “my desire is for my works to become a reflection of the joy I felt in studying the subjects. I like my still life paintings of fruits, flowers and bottles to be full of life. Although I focus on stationary objects or interiors, my goal is for the painting to have energy and movement through lively lines and intense colors.”

Celebrate the season at Carlton Gallery’s 31st Autumn Group Exhibition with an Artists’ Reception on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 2-5 p.m. Visit with artists Kate Worm, Vae Hamilton and Mary Dobbin at the “Sharing the Muse” exhibition where they will be happy to discuss their work. The 31st Autumn Group Exhibition runs through Nov. 22 and the “Sharing the Muse” exhibition can be viewed through Oct. 22.

The gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone and seven miles north of Linville on N.C. 105 in the Grandfather Mountain Community. For information on artists, exhibitions or available workshops, call 828-963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com.