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Holiday Open House Kicks Off the 32nd Annual Winter Exhibition at Carlton Gallery Nov. 28-30

Nov. 21, 2014. Carlton Gallery celebrates its 32nd Winter Exhibition with a Holiday Open House on Friday, Nov. 28; Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A jewelry trunk show by award-winning lapidarist, metal smith and gemologist Ran Armstrong, on Friday and Saturday is a highlight of the Holiday Open House.

Gallery owner and artist, Toni Carlton, extends a heartfelt invitation to one and all to begin the holiday season at Carlton Gallery while enjoying light refreshments, hot cider or tea along with lots of community spirit.

Toni Carlton - Grace - The Guiding Light -061The seasonally-decorated gallery is fitted with art in all mediums by the talented local, regional and national artists the gallery represents. Paintings by Andrew Braitman, Kevin Beck, Sharon Rusch Shaver, Vae Hamilton, Connie Winters, Amy Sullivan, Warren Dennis, Edie Maney, Jane Desonier, Ray Byram, Helen Farson, Egi Antonaccio, Katie Worm, Mary Dobbin, Michael Grady and Brian Carney are in many styles and varied subject matter including traditional and abstract landscapes, figurative, mixed media, still life and wildlife.

New paintings reflecting the beauty of winter can be found at the 32nd Winter Exhibition and Holiday Open House. Mary Martha McKinley’s snowy red barn scene renders the stillness and serenity found in many locations throughout the High Country. Holly Glasscock’s oils highlight winter’s shadows and silhouettes found in snowy landscapes. Watercolorist Freeman Beard renders paintings with snow-covered barns, farms, streams and landscapes in his realistic impressionism style using the traditional technique of transparent watercolors.

Acrylic and watercolor/ink paintings exhibited by visionary artist Debbie ARnold are from her earlier body of work which reflects her love of Asian art with a unique perspective.

The ongoing “Art Songs of the Heart” exhibition by Toni Carlton is part of the 32nd Winter Exhibition and Holiday Open House which she says, “Connects everyone to the Light this time of year. My hand-woven fibers form incremental patternsalong with many translucent layers of writings, prayers and songs within the canvasses to express the energy and the connection to each other and the Divine.”

The 32nd Winter Exhibition also features “Small Works” in paintings, glass, wood, pottery, basketry, fiber art and fine jewelry by talented artisans. These “Small Works” are of exceptional quality and make thoughtful holiday gifts.

Paintings by Alan Gordon, Hold McLean and Linda Apriletti are original works embracing many media, styles and price ranges. Arlene Mandell renders figurative works in oils and oil pastels which capture the personality and spirit of her subject matter.

Colorful blown glass vases and vessels by Robinson Scott are in unique forms and shapes to enhance a holiday display. Sculptural wood bowls, vessels and urns by Bobby Phillips and Alan Hollar are one-of-a-kind art pieces exemplifying their creativity. Hand-painted exquisite gourds by Cindy Vandewart are new to the gallery. Linda Spillane adds a sophisticated Native American aspect.

Hand built sculptured clay vessels by Marty Allran contain themes of nature, floral and the divine feminine as the inspiration for her unique art work. Functional mugs, tea and rice cups, small bowls and yarn bowls (perfect for weavers and knitters) by Becky Henderson-Gow are wheel-thrown and hand-painted using slip trailing with intricate designs and patterns reminiscent of her ancestor’s quilting patters.

Fiber art of woven scares in beautiful winter colors, Erda bags in a myriad of shapes and sizes, wool felted hats and scarves by Vasanto, along with reversible jackets and three-quarter coats by Trimdin are exceptional holiday gifts. Intricate miniature wearable basketry necklaces by Lyn Shallis along with her sculptural fine art baskets add elegance and style to one’s wardrobe or home.

The 32nd Winter Exhibition and Holiday Open House showcases the sculptural art jewelry of Ran Armstrong. He is a lapidarist, metal smith and gemologist whose award-winning jewelry incorporates metals of 14K. 18K and 22K gold and sterling silver. Armstrong hand cuts or carves many of the crystals and gemstones in his exquisite line of jewelry.

“Forming by band and heat of torch allows me to control the process, yet allows serendipitous elements as I fabricate high karat gold and sterling silver into one-of-a-kind pieces often featuring gemstones too rate for mainstream jewelry,” he said.

Armstrong will be present at the 32nd Winter Exhibition and Holiday Open House with a jewelry trunk show of additional necklaces, earrings and rings from his personal collection. He will be happy to greet holiday visitors and discuss his fabulous designs on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit Carlton Gallery and enjoy the 32nd Winter Exhibition and Holiday Open House on Friday, Nov. 28; Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artwork in all mediums by the gallery’s outstanding artists, along with the jewelry trunk show by Ran Armstrong on Friday and Saturday is sure to start the season with much holiday cheer.

Carlton Gallery is located ten miles south of Boone and seven miles north of Linville on N.C. 105 in the Grandfather Mountain Community hear the entrance of Seven Devils. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information on artists, exhibitions or upcoming workshops, call 828-963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com.