A Day in the Gallery…

I thought I would post some pictures of the new work that was recently hung in the gallery. Twice a year, In-Town turns over the gallery with all new work. We are getting ready for our Spring opening on Friday, May 2. The new work is exciting to see, as our artists are constantly evolving and stretching out their creative wings in an effort to grow.

As a newish member, I am still learning a lot about how the gallery functions, and the important contributions all of our members make to make sure the gallery operates in a smooth manner. But the one thing that I am coming to love is the opportunity to share our knowledge of our chosen medium with the general public. Working at the gallery offers each of our artists a great opportunity to connect with others in a way that is deeper than connections made at hectic art shows.

Tom Church, a master woodworker who chooses to utilize local Tennessee wood in his work, is shown here talking to another aspiring woodworker. I enjoyed hearing about the different woods and tools used to make wood furniture, bowls and other vessels; but more importantly, I enjoyed the obvious passion they both shared about turning wood into objects of beauty.

After spending a day working with Tom, I have come to appreciate more the attention to detail and obvious talent he has for woodwork, and the next time I have the opportunity to answer a prospective buyer’s questions about his work, I have much more confidence about how to answer. It is a win-win situation for the artists, prospective buyers and the gallery. This is one of the perks about belonging to an artists’ co-op.

In between conversations with the public, Tom and I worked on some new marketing ideas, and hung tags next to some of the members new work on the walls. Janis Wilkey, a painter, came in with some new work to hang and we got a chance to catch up with her.

I had the pleasure to have a long, satisfying conversation about photography and how to market your work with a delightful couple from Louisville, KY. They were visiting Chattanooga in celebration of their anniversary, and the exchange of ideas from one regional artist to another, again, was wonderful. Here they are in front of a piece by Bradley Wilson…

Mark and Claudette Rego have a photography business in Louisville, KY. He likes to take photographs of local, Louisville buildings and sights specific to Old Town Louisville. They enjoyed the work of our photographers too.

Now, I thought I would share with you some photos from the gallery, as we are preparing for our Spring opening. Again, all new work is coming in, so please come by In-Town to see the latest from our very talented artists.

Segmented woodwork by Jeff Hewitt…(he has an opening coming up in June!)

Exquisite detail of a Bearded Iris in watercolor by Helen Burton…

New jewelry by In-Town artists Eleanor Goodson, Mary Helen Robert, Mary Beth Mcclure and Stacie Florer. (Clay leaf display by In-Town artist Mary Lynch)

These pictures give just a taste of the superb new work….make sure you mark your calendar for May 2 from 5-8 pm!