The 33rd Autumn Group Exhibition continues at Carlton Gallery where ART in many mediums is showcased by the local, regional and national artists the gallery represents. Original paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media along with blown glass, sculpture, clay, wearable fiber art and fine jewelry make this exhibition impressive and a visual delight. A landscape painting demonstration by Kevin Beck and a dreamscape pottery demonstration by Patti Connor-Greene on Saturday, October 10, is an added feature for this exhibition. Beck’s painting demonstration is from 12 to 2 p.m. and Greene plans a pottery demonstration from 2 to 4 p.m.
Kevin Beck is a local landscape artist whose work tells stories about Mother Nature. Each painting projects the artist’s unique method of playing with light and shadow that is a defining element for him. The reality of his paintings draws the viewer into a clear, crisp world of vibrancy and light. He creates paintings with beautiful colors together with the surrounding environment which he explores as a plein air painter. Beck is inspired by the changing seasons, as he captures in his paintings the beauty of nature in real time.
As a plein air painter, Beck feels connected with nature where he experiences a direct connection to the natural elements. He begins most of his paintings on location even when snow is on the ground. This direct energy in nature inspires him to paint and provides a continual fascination with the beauty of the landscape. He renders paintings in both oils and pastels.
Beck began his studies as a child at the Canton Art Institute in Canton, Ohio. A family friend who was both an architect and artist was his inspiration. Following somewhat is his footsteps, Beck followed a business career, painting in his spare time. Eventually the desire to paint full time became a reality, so he became a professional artist.
Patti Connor-Greene is a local potter whose lovely porcelain exemplifies superior workmanship and prodigious creativity.
After working mostly with stoneware clay, in 2009 Conner-Greene shifted to porcelain. She states, “It was only in retrospect that I realized it was Avery County’s ice, snow, and rivers that pulled me to the luminosity of porcelain and a palette of glazes influenced by the quality of light in these mountains. Grandfather Mountain, the Linville River and the woods behind my studio offer continually changing studies in color and pattern – the movement of wind, water over rock and vegetation, the luminosity of ice and water. After many years of working with clay, I’m still just beginning to explore some of its possibilities”.
Her new “Dreamscape” series evolved from camping six weeks in the Yukon and Alaska by Conner-Greene and her husband. She had recurring images of a tiny house in the midst of immense untamed nature. After 40 years of making vases, bowls and mugs on a kick wheel, she began hand building porcelain sculptural pieces of a tiny cabin in the wild, pressing small bits of porcelain together face down in order to smooth the back and join the pieces together. Her completed scene is always a surprise when the piece is turned over the next day – hence the series is called “Dreamscapes”.
Conner-Greene experienced a potter working on a kickwheel at six years old and was captivated. She worked in clay at Wells College and took clay classes at University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Arrowmont, and Penland. After a 25 year career as a professor in Psychology at Clemson University, she now blends art, science and magic to create her outstanding works of art.
Everyone is invited to visit Carlton Gallery for the 33rdrd Autumn Group Exhibition, which runs through November 15, along with viewing the demonstrations by Kevin Beck and Patti Connor-Greene on Saturday, October 10, 12 to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. The “Celebrating a Lifetime of Art” exhibition by Warren Dennis is also ongoing through November 15.
The gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone, NC and 7 miles north of Linville, NC at 10360 Hwy 105 South in the Grandfather Mountain community with hours 10 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday and 11 to 5 on Sunday. For information on artists, exhibitions and workshops, call (828) 963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com.
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