The Jerome
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery celebrates Jerome’s First Saturday Art walk with
an all-member show aptly entitled, “Ringing in the New Year!” Co-op members are
encouraged to display new work which may include work outside their currently
juried mediums. This relaxation of media types broadens the range of techniques
available to the membership to explore as they share their results during their
“Ringing in the New Year” event.
Chris
Ryback, a multi-talented artist, takes big steps outside her current work in
the Gallery with the introduction of her woven necklace and earring set. This
sparkly match invites a glamourous mood and can be worn on any occasion. Made
with Czech glass beads and metallic yarn, Chris relates that, “It was a slow
process, because the weaving is so tightly done.”
Mark Foltz
created a little beauty to add to his line of gourd art at the gallery with his
new “Three Feathers” gourd, measuring a mere 6.5” in diameter. Most of Mark Foltz’s gourd art is extremely
detailed, and visitors are amazed at their complexity. “Three Feathers” is no
exception.
Florence
Flynn, a Co-op member for just over 9 months, shares a surprising point of view
which causes visitors to smile and take note. “‘Cactus Man’ is a Prickly Dude,”
says Flynn, “and his friend ‘Goofy Bird’ keeps him in line and brings smiles of
wonderment to those who pass him by. “Cactus Man,” she continues, “is part of a
series which involves the challenge of working with mannequins to create
interesting characters using mixed media on forms. My inner voice keeps
repeating: ‘If you paint it, you must
sculpt it; if you paint it, you must sculpt it’.” Flynn’s inner voice mantra
helps keep her work fresh by encouraging her to explore each of her subjects in
depth through multiple approaches. It’s this type of exploration of a subject
that heightens Flynn’s awareness and sensitivity to her surroundings. “Now that
‘Cactus Man’ is complete,” Flynn confides, “I envision a whole line of ‘Friends
of Cactus Man’ just waiting to emerge.”
“Ringing in
the New Year” opens with a reception for the artists on Jan. 6 from 5-8 pm at
the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 502 N. Main Street, ground floor of
the old Hotel Jerome. Refreshments will be served. Open Daily 10am-6pm.
