1000 x 90

Spring Group Exhibition at Carlton Gallery to Feature 17 Artists, Reception May 28

Carlton Gallery hosts its 34th Spring Group Exhibition which showcases fine art in paintings, glass, wood, clay, sculpture, wearable fiber and jewelry by the local, regional and national artisans represented by the gallery. The Artists’ Opening Reception is Saturday, May 28, 2-5 p.m. and is free of charge.

New work is on exhibit for the 34th Spring Group Exhibition by artists Kevin Beck, Andrew Braitman, Mary Martha McKinley, Charles Lawson, Mary Dobbin, Helen Farson, Egi Antonaccio, Lisa Boardwine, Marion Cloaninger, Fred Mead, Dottie Leatherwood, Freeman Beard, Holly Glasscock, Vae Hamilton, Don Haywood, Kate Worm, and Ralph Mello.

Tonya Bottomley, "Full Sun," 30x30
Tonya Bottomley, “Full Sun,” 30×30

Paintings in oil, acrylic, mixed media and watercolor; clay works in decorative and functional vases, urns and bowls; sculpture, trays, candelabra and coasters, along with finely crafted jewelry in precious stones and gemstones are a small selection of the fine art and handmade crafts which can be found in this exhibition.

This Exhibition’s Artists’ Spotlight features “Perceptions of Nature” by three women in the arts – Debbie Arnold, Tonya Bottomley and Trena McNabb whose contemporary paintings display varied styles and interpretations of nature. Their work adds a distinctive voice to the eclectic mix of new work at the 34th Spring Group Exhibition.

Debbie Arnold’s paintings are best described as s stream of consciousness from which emerges inner methodologies. Her approach is spontaneous beginning with color and texture without subject matter. Arnold uses different techniques – sponges, pallet knife, spattering, collage and imprinting, along with pouring layers of thin colors onto the canvas. She is greatly inspired by nature and paints the feel of a scene rather than a literal interpretation of it. Arnold is highly motivated by shapes, textures and colors rather than defined subject matter.

Trena McNabb - Hummers - 9.5x7.5
Trena McNabb – Hummers – 9.5×7.5

The art of Tonya Bottomley is a very stylized method depicting the natural rhythms of life and nature. She paints what she sees, thinks and feels. Bottomley’s paintings are an orderly composition of lines and shapes that shift from organic flowing curves to angular geometric forms with bold lines to outline shapes. There is no literal portrayal of subject matter but rather an emphasis to produce unusual, entertaining and thought provoking art work. Bottomley’s paintings reflect her imagination and artistic vision, as well as stirring up emotion and curiosity in the viewer.

Every painting tells a story and the work of Trena McNabb reveals its deeper meaning through a connected series of smaller paintings, each a tale in itself. Images overlap in a kaleidoscope of colors depicting the flora, fauna and landscapes that comprise our planet. The synthesis of realism and imagination in Trena McNabb’s art reflects her interest in nature and the environment by her use of windows created by overlapping images, adding many layers to the narrative which becomes profounder the longer one studies the art work. Even though the canvas is overflowing with nature’s array, McNabb’s paintings display an astute knowledge of linear perspective.

All are welcome to visit Carlton Gallery for the 34 Spring Group and “Perceptions of Nature” Exhibition and its spirited collection of art work. The Artists’ Reception on Saturday, May 28, 2 to 5 affords an opportunity  to meet many of the gallery’s artists, view outstanding art work while enjoying tasty hors d’oeuvres.

Carlton Gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone on Hwy 105 and 7 miles north of Linville and Banner Elk in the Grandfather Mountain Community with hours 10 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday and 11 to 5 on Sunday. For more information about Artists, Exhibitions and Workshops, please call (828) 963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com.

 

Debbie Arnold, "Flowers in Motion"
Debbie Arnold, “Flowers in Motion”