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One-Of-A-Kind Clay Art Exhibited at Carlton Gallery

Dec. 4, 2012. Carlton Gallery celebrates the season with its 30th Anniversary Winter Group Exhibition with beautiful art in paintings, glass, wood, clay, sculpture, fiber and fine jewelry. The vast and varied collection from the gallery’s many local, regional and national artists is a visual delight. A “Small Works” exhibition along with the “2012 Figurative Abstractions” exhibit by Warren Dennis makes the Winter Exhibition one not to be missed.

The gallery has an eclectic collection from local and regional artists working in clay whose designs range from functional, hand-crafted pottery in mugs, baking casseroles, butter dishes, plates, bowls, as well as goblets, pitchers, vases and sponge holders. Each piece of functional pottery is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe and can be enjoyed for many years.

One of a kind clay pieces abound at the gallery from artists Joe Edwards, Nancy Lewis, John Turner and Jayne Harris whose imaginative works are thought provoking and compelling.

Joe Edwards creates sculptural clay torsos to show the classic beauty of the female. He hand paints his designs to enhance the form and highlight texture. Edwards’ “Apple Love” and “Golden Pear” sculptures are whimsical conversation pieces which exemplify his creativity.

Local potter, Nancy Lewis, hand crafts tall vases with inlaid designs of rhododendron, dragon flies, iris pods and ginkgo leaves. Her vases begin at 18” tall, go up to 36” tall and make a design statement. Many of Lewis’ vases can be converted into lamps.

John Turner’s vessels, bowls and wall hanging plates are raku with copper glazes in iridescent colors which change into specific patterns when light reflects on them. Each of his hand crafted pottery bears his distinctive circles and small dots in their design.

The gallery’s new clay artist, Jayne Harris, creates sculptures which are connected to the earth and beyond. Hew work has an energy and dreamlike quality which evokes curiosity and a feeling of connection on a deep level to all beings. Her techniques in working and firing the clay involve the use of different materials to achieve her creative vision. After a hand injury forced Harris to switch from woodcarving to clay, she discovered she loved clay. It lets her pretend to be in charge, and them laughs when she holds a sculpture she never consciously planned.

Harris says, “As a clay sculptor, I find my hands frequently shaping female figures and faces, often in association with tree forms and animals. This triangle of plant, animal and human constitutes narrative shorthand that addresses cross-cultural issues of growth and decay. With these forms as symbols, I attempt to express my concern for our planet and my hope and fear for its inhabitants.”

Celebrate the season and visit Carlton Gallery’s 30th Anniversary Winter Group Exhibition and “Small Works” exhibition which continues through April 30th. To embrace this time of year, the gallery is filled with exquisite artistic gifts in all price ranges for the discriminate buyer. The “2012 Figurative Abstractions” exhibit by Warren Dennis can also be viewed and enjoyed through Dec. 31.

Carlton Gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone and 7 miles north of Linville on NC Hwy 105 in the Grandfather Mountain Community. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about the gallery, artists or workshops, call 828-963-4288 or visit www.carltonartgallery.com.