Exhibits: Creative Space Gallery

Current Exhibition

Arts & Flowers
On view through March 11, 2012

We haven't had a real Vermont winter this year, so if your thoughts have begun to turn to the garden, stop by the gallery and see what's in bloom! New to the gallery, discover flowers as you have never seen them in Bonnie Melnick's glowing encaustic paintings, Krista Cheney's photographs of flowers captured in ice, and Dorothea Langevin's photomosaics. Colorful felted merino wool is transformed into jewelry by Judith Giusto, Pamela Druhen stitches intricate fabric images, M.J. Russell creates painted art quilts. Plants climb up the vase by fiber artist Marilyn Gillis. Lyna Lou Nordstrom renders tulips in monotypes with bold forms and soft colors.

Elsewhere in the gallery, fairy houses by Jaine Kellogg have sprung up beside Celia Oliver's colorful wool chickens and nest-shaped baskets by Tamara Wight. In the jewelry case, Kathy Mitchell has transformed ivory keys from a defunct piano into one-of-a-kind scrimshaw pieces, and Martha Loving combines semi-precious stones into earrings and necklaces.

Find a selection of handblown glass by Bud Shriner, kiln-formed glass by Alyssa Oxley, and earth-toned pottery by Carrie Bailey. Photographic shoji screens by Daniel Doyle are dramatic as a corner treatment, or elegant on a table top.Glimpse the Vermont landscape in pastel gardens by Karin Hardy, watercolors by Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, vibrant acrylic by Georgina Forbes and Judith Rey, woodcuts by Janet Seaburg, and oils by Fiona Cooper Fenwick and Eloise Beil.

Artists participating in Arts & Flowers: Jill Abilock, Carrie Bailey, Eloise Beil, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Krista Cheney, Annemie Curlin, Libby Davidson, Daniel Doyle, Pamela Druhen, Karen Emerson, Fiona Cooper Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Marilyn Gillis, Judith Giusto, Karin Hardy, Jaine Kellog, Dorothea Langevin, Martha Loving, Bonnie Melnick, Kathy Mitchell, Didier Murat, Lyna Lou Nordstrom, Celia Oliver, Matt Ouellette, Alyssa Oxley, Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, Judith Rey, Norma Jean Rollet, M. J. Russell, Janet Seaburg, Bud Shriner, Ann Watson, Tamara Wight

Holiday Show 2011
On view through January 2012

Affordable Art for Everyone! That's our wish for you in the Holiday Show. The gallery's three rooms are filled with newly arrived pieces are both beautiful and useful: stoneware bowls, plates, vases by Carrie Bailey of Mudd Art Pottery, Shoreham; merino wool jewelry in dazzling colors from Judith Giusto of Round Barn Farm in Ferrisburg; felted wool mittens by Celia Oliver of Shelburne; hand-knitted scarves by Cindy Kilgore; hand-blown glass in every color of the rainbow from Bud Shriner and Alyssa Oxley; unique photo-mosaics by Dorothea Langevin or Daniel Doyle; one-of-a-kind art quilts by Marilyn Gillis and M. J. Russell; watercolors by Libby Davidson and Martha Loving; baskets by Tamara Wight, beeswax candles by Karen Emerson. Pebbles found in her travels inspired Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams to create pastel landscapes. Marsha Chase transforms handmade silk and wool fibers into felted handbags, jackets, and framed artwork. Find seasonal decorations by Janet Seaburg and sparkling wallhangings by Marilyn Gillis, or peek into the doors of this year's Advent Calendar by Libby Davidson. Bring home a favorite Vermont scene by Karin Hardy, Fiona Cooper Fenwick, Annemie Curlin or Eloise Beil - or the lively swirling abstracts of Lyna Lou Nordstrom.

Artists participating in the Holiday Show: Jill Abilock, Carrie Bailey, Eloise Beil, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Annemie Curlin, Libby Davidson, Daniel Doyle, Pamela Druhen, Karen Emerson, Fiona Cooper Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Anne Galante, Marilyn Gillis, Judith Giusto, Karin Hardy, Cindy Kilgore, Dorothea Langevin, Martha Loving, Kathy Mitchell, Didier Murat, Lyna Lou Nordstrom, Celia Oliver, Matt Ouellette, Alyssa Oxley, Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, Judith Rey, Norma Jean Rollet, M. J. Russell, Janet Seaburg, Bud Shriner, Ann Watson, Tamara Wight

Creative Space Gallery is located at 235 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491. The gallery is open Thursdays & Fridays 1-5 Saturdays from 10:30-5, and Sundays 10:30-2 or call (802) 877-3850 for an appointment.

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Special Exhibit Archive

Holiday Show 2011
On view through January 2012

Depths of Inspiration
On view through September 4

We asked the gallery artists for artwork in any medium that reflects the phrase “Depths of Inspiration.” We speak of being deep in the woods, the oceans, or outer space, or deep in thought, sorrow, or joy. "What sources of inspiration will you share in this summer exhibition?"

There are paintings of the ocean, sunrise, sunset, farm meadows, hollyhocks in bloom reaching through a picket fence, a kitten peeking out from around a curtain, a woman planting corn under the African sun . . . there are wonderful baskets from Tamara Wight -- one contains "sea treasures" that you can touch and re-arrange. Look for watercolors of birds from Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, lots of colorful, handblown glass by Bud Shriner. Kirsten Hoving took photographs of cloud formations in the sky. Marsha Chase created a lovely moth out of silk and wool -- it's framed like a painting. On the other side of the gallery, look for tiny paintings of a Luna Moth, and two beetles by Kathy Mitchell. Anne Watson created mandala images in blue and green using potato stamps -- perhaps this exhibition will inspire you to revisit a favorite technique or embark on a new creative adventure this summer!

Artists participating in Color Symphonies: Jill Abilock, Eloise Beil, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Kit Clark, Annemie Curlin, Libby Davidson, Daniel Doyle, Fiona Cooper Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Karin Hardy, Kirsten Hoving, Martha Loving, Kathy Mitchell, Lyna Lou Nordstrom, Celia Oliver, Matt Ouellette, Alyssa Oxley, Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, Judith Rey, Janet Seaburg, Bud Shriner, Barbara Unger, Ann Watson, Tamara Wight

Color Symphonies
On view May 14 through June 26, 2011
Reception Sunday, May 15 5:15-7pm

This exhibition features artwork that reflects the creative response to color. Instead of the usual Opening Reception for this exhibition, on Sunday, May 15 we share a very special event with Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra and Vergennes Opera House. At 4:00pm, Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Paul Gambill, brings their spring performance to Vergennes Opera House. Their program will include Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" and "Dances Sacred and Profane." Heidi Soons will be harp soloist. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 seniors/students. Creative Space Gallery artists and friends are welcome to join Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra members and concert-goers for a reception at the Gallery following the performance.

Creative Space Gallery will be participating in the Vermont Crafts Council Open Studio Weekend on May 28-29, and the map and publicity for this event will help bring new visitors to this exhibition. Please come visit us either Saturday or Sunday, and invite friends to visit the exhibition, enjoy light refreshments and meet some of the gallery artists while you are there.

rtists participating in Color Symphonies: Jill Abilock, Eloise Beil, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Kit Clark, Annemie Curlin, Libby Davidson, Daniel Doyle, Fiona Cooper Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Karin Hardy, Kirsten Hoving, Martha Loving, Kathy Mitchell, Lyna Lou Nordstrom, Celia Oliver, Matt Ouellette, Alyssa Oxley, Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams, Judith Rey, Janet Seaburg, Bud Shriner, Barbara Unger, Ann Watson, Tamara Wight

Journeys & Journals
On view March 27 through April 30, 2011
Opening Reception Sunday, March 27 1 - 4pm

Journeys & Journals, the newest exhibition at Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes, is on view through April 30. The artwork is inspired by travel -- one very special area in the gallery reflects Japan, with a tea chest, lamp, kimono, and digital slide show of photographs taken by Douglas and Catherine Brooks in 2002-03 when they were living in the coastal villages that have recently been damaged by the tsunami.

Some other highlights include: photos taken on a honeymoon trip to Morocco, photos and a story from Damascus, views of Monhegan Island and the top of Mount Mansfield, a miniature birch bark portfolio with watercolors of Birches seen around Vermont, a nest with watercolors of Robin's first journey (from egg to flight) watercolors, a souvenir album, and baskets from Cape Cod, photographs, baskets and watercolors inspired by the canyons and adobes of the Southwest, views and journals by a recent college graduate from her semester abroad in Australia and treks in New Mexico, Arizona and Washington State, oil paintings and artist's sketch books from Tuscany, and
underwater photos from coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Concerned about the devastation in Japan resulting from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, gallery artists and friends have teamed up to host benefit events during April. On Saturday April 9, special presentations at the Vergennes Opera House will be followed by an open house at Creative Space Gallery. From 2-2:30, TOYO will present an exciting combination of Kabuki stage performance, classical Buyo dancing and Nagauta classical music, with dancer Yukiko Washio, and Shamisen player/singers Kichina Kineya and Chikako Abe. From 2:30-3pm, Douglas Brooks, a boat builder, writer and researcher who has traveled to Japan 12 times since 1990, gives a slide presentation and talk about the culture and geography of the area affected by the tsunami.

Then stroll to Creative Space Gallery for an Open House from 3-5pm, to enjoy the Journeys & Journals exhibition while learning to fold origami cranes with Jill Abilock, an artist and Japanese-English translator who spent 12 years in Japan. “Japanese tradition holds that making a senbazuru, a chain of 1,000 origami cranes folded and strung together, will grant a wish, and they are often given as gifts to people facing illness or difficulty,” explains Abilock. “Our project, Senbazuru: 1,000 Cranes of Hope aims to raise funds to aid recovery efforts in Japan while creating as many senbazuru as possible to carry wishes for health, safety, and recovery to the people of Japan.” Throughout the month of April, crane-making kits will be available at the gallery in exchange for donations to the American Red Cross relief efforts in Japan, or you can receive a kit when you make an online donation at www.tinyurl.com/1000CranesOfHope .

On April 30, 2011, Senbazuru: 1,000 Cranes of Hope will culminate in an event at the Creative Space Gallery from 1-5pm, when all the cranes received will be strung into senbazuru. There will also be an opportunity to purchase and fold more cranes during the final event.

For more information about 1,000 Cranes of Hope contact Jill Abilock: SixLoonsStudio@gmail.com
Creative Space Gallery is located at 235 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1-5 or call (802) 877-3850 for an appointment.

The Artistic Ark

Opening Sunday, February 6
On view through March 19

This special exhibition and benefit for the Addison County Humane Society is the Gallery's biggest event yet! Portraits of dogs and cats include Wayne Michaud's colorful acrylics, watercolors by Brenda Myrick, and classic watercolor pencil studies by Susanne Peck. Chickens and roosters inspired whimsical miniature paintings by Annelien Beukenkamp, watercolors by Barbara Unger, and embroidered and hooked textiles by Celia Oliver, flanked by Tamara Wight's basket nests. Admirers of Kathy Mitchell's silver jewelry will be delighted by her miniature paintings of nests, and larger panels of pheasant, egret, and crows. Wild birds also appear in mountain top views by Libby Davidson, and flocks of chickadees by Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams.

Karin Hardy's luminous pastels capture sheep in Vermont, cows in Ireland, and shorebirds in northern and southern waters, while her quick pencil studies and drawings from visits to European circuses include horses as well as exotic Brahma bulls, tigers, and a camel. Photographer Mary Kerr also focused on camels while traveling in Syria, while Emma Powell's evocative photographs transport the viewer through time for a look at the trophy animals of photographic pioneer George Eastman.

Underwater photographer Carl Fritz takes us to the reefs of the Caribbean, to meet some colorful characters -- inviting you to look into the baby-blue eyes of the green Moray eel, watch out for the colorful but invasive Lion Fish, and remember that even the corals are animals! Also inspired by seafaring adventures, Didier Murat creates traditional wooden sea chests with whale-inspired carved handles, hand-forged iron fittings, and ropework details. From the largest of animals to the smallest -- don't overlook tiny but exquisite paintings of insects by Kathy Mitchell, Janet Seaburg, and Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams.

Artist Cindy Kilgore-Brown teamed up with Charley, a Walker Tree Hound who has been at the ACHS shelter for two years, to create a lovely painting, Dreams of the Forest Floor. "Charley says the people here take good care of him, but this picture shows his dream of being able some day to go walking the Appalachian trail," she explained. Charley's painting, which was sold on eBay in February to benefit ACHS, will be on view at the gallery throughout the show.

More than just a celebration of "all creatures great and small," the show includes an opportunity to help the Addison County Humane Society. Artist Deb Allen of Ferrisburg created "Starry Night at the Pond," a hand-felted wall hanging (22" x 26") that will be raffled off in March. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the Gallery and at the Humane Society. Other Silent Auction items include a Tree of Life steel-drum sculpture from Haiti, embroidered Elephants from India, a carved wooden whale, a hand-decorated print by Janet Seaburg, and a cut-paper picture by Celia Oliver. Final bids will be taken and auction results will be announced at the Grand Finale of the show, Saturday March 19 at the Gallery. You don't need to be present to win -- just make sure we can read your bid!

Special events with the artists are planned -- call, email or check back for more information!

Holiday Show
On view November 18, 2010 through January 8, 2011

Take a few minutes to immerse yourself in wonder and delight! The gallery's three rooms are overflowing with new artwork and fine crafts from Vermont artists and artisans -- a wonderful place to find unique holiday gifts. Or, a gallery gift certificate offers someone the opportunity for an enjoyable outing and a lasting treasure!

Find wearable art including cosy mittens, reversible hats, unique jackets handmade of silk and wool by Celia Oliver, Karen Henderson and Marsha Chase. Handbags and tote bags -- including some extra-large to carry your own craft projects -- will be used every day. Or choose something special from a wide selection of jewelry by Kathy Mitchell, Mary Allen, and Jeffery Gallott. Fiber artists Deb Allen, M.J. Russell and Tamara Wight have created wall hangings, baskets, and enchanting sculptured nests that complement the glowing earth tones and jade greens of David Meath's pottery bowls, vessels and vases.

Choose among paintings, photographs, framed textile pieces, woodcuts and watercolors -- lovely and surprisingly affordable. There is a wide selection of original work for under $50 in addition to larger pieces. Prints and cards are another great way to share your favorites. Young artists will especially enjoy an assortment of kits with Vermont landscapes and wildlife art by Libby Davidson, packaged with colored pencils, multi-hued pens, and watercolors, as well as Libby's newest Advent Calendar with hidden animals and birds. Throughout the gallery, find works by gallery and guest artists including Eloise Beil, Catherine Brooks, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Kit Clark, Annemie Curlin, Daniel Doyle, Fiona Cooper-Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Anne Galante, Karin Hardy, Kirsten Hoving, Martha Loving, Judith Rey, and Janet Seaburg.

Georgina Forbes: Fluid Landscapes
On view October 14 through November 13, 2010

Georgina Forbes' abstract landscape paintings offer an experience of the energy of the earth and the elements that are life. Layers of vibrant color create a sense of being and of place by evoking earth, air, fire, and especially water, the primary medium of her work. These paintings are filled with the kind of light that rivets attention, commands memory, and touches deeply.

Poured and layered acrylic washes of vivid colors, Forbes' paintings evoke a sense of spirit as well as the fluid nature of landscape, while remaining abstract compositions of many hues, patterns and shapes. "My dialog is with the liquid colors as they meet each other under a variety of circumstances," Forbes explains. "This process allows me to follow each wash in a responsive state as the paint opens up unforeseen realms of possibility."

Creative Space Gallery pleased to feature the work of Georgina Forbes in this special exhibition, concurrently with Forever Fiber: A Gathering of Fiber Artists as we celebrate our first anniversary. The public is welcome to meet Georgina Forbes and other member and guest artists at a reception on Thursday, October 28 from 5-8 pm with wine tasting, compliments of Vergennes Wine Shop, from 5-7pm.

Forever Fiber: A Gathering of Fiber Artists
On view September 30 through November 13

Gathering is a good way to describe the diversity of sources, materials, and techniques brought together to create works of simple elegance in the new exhibition at Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes. Forever Fiber: A Gathering of Fiber Artists is on view from September 30 through November 13.

Karen Henderson of Montpelier enjoys combining meticulous weaving and stitching with the spontaneity of dye processes to create landscape-inspired textile pieces in diverse materials including silk, linen, rayon, cotton, paper, and stainless steel.

Mary Jane Russell of Charlotte approaches art quilting as an exploration of abstract designs, using dye and paint, silk-screening and other printing techniques, digital photography and image transfers to interpret designs found everywhere, from rock cliffs and stone walls, to cracks in the sidewalk and city skylines.

Tamara Wight of Brookfield has been weaving baskets for over 25 years, experimenting with shape, color, and varied materials. In the past several years, her work has evolved to sculptural form, incorporating and responding to found materials and to experiences of the natural world.

Martha Loving weaves painted and printed paper with fragments of photographs, ribbons, and other found materials to create richly textured and evocative pieces filled with memory and symbolism. Loving, whose roots are in Virginia, studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and has been teaching art at Vermont Waldorf schools for nine years.

Marsha Chase of Panton, and Deb Allen of Ferrisburgh manipulate wool, silk, and other fibers to create two- or three-dimensional forms. The result can be an abstract sculpture, a landscape painting, or wearable art: one-of-a-kind scarves, jackets, and handbags.

Creative Space Gallery also features paintings, photographs, prints, hand-blown glass, and jewelry by member and guest artists. Creative Space Gallery, located at 235 Main Street, Vergennes is free and open to the public Thursdays, 4-7 pm., Fridays 2-7 pm, and Saturdays noon-6 pm, or you can call 802 877-3850 (24 hours in advance), and one of the gallery artists will be happy to meet you there. For more information: www.CreativeSpaceGallery.org .

Waterscapes
July 22 through September 22, 2010

Swirling greens and blues of handblown glass are transformed into a bowl, a vase, a pendant lamp -- artist Bud Shriner calls this series "Emerald Sea." Water pours from the spout of a teapot into a waiting cup, then cascades into a creamer, a bowl, and pools in a hand-painted basin -- a unique ceramic fountain designed and created by artist Klara Calitri.

The Waterscapes exhibition at Creative Space Gallery is refreshing -- and as varied -- as the waterways of the Champlain Valley: the delicate wetlands in miniature watercolors by Annemie Curlin, the bold and vibrant brushwork of Georgina Forbes, tranquil Otter Creek reflections captured by Eloise Beil, and dynamic abstract waves in Daniel Doyle's photo collage. More distant waters inspired the delicate pastels of Karin Hardy and Judith Rey's beach scenes; while photographer Kirsten Hoving explored galaxies and constellations captured in ice.

Don't be intimidated by the art gallery mystique -- inspired by the "cheap art" of the Bread and Puppet Circus, Catherine Brooks offers original paintings for as little as $20. Cards and giclee prints by many of the gallery artists are also available. If a larger work catches your eye, the Gallery Gift Certificate program can help friends and relatives contribute to the purchase of a lasting gift for a wedding, graduation, housewarming or other very special occasion.

And on August 26, 27 and 28, to celebrate Vergennes Day weekend, the gallery is hosting its first "Artists Yard Sale." stop by (Thursday 4-7, Friday 2-7, or Vergennes Day 10-6) and browse tables of original art, art supplies, art books, posters, and prints -- bargain sources of inspiration for everyone!

Gallery artists include Eloise Beil, Catherine Brooks, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Kit Clark, Timothy Clark, Annemie Curlin, Daniel Doyle, Fiona Cooper-Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Anne Galante, Karin Hardy, Kirsten Hoving, Judith Rey, Janet Seaburg and Carol Stenberg.

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Ahhh - Summer!
Preview June 3-6. On view June 10-July 11, 2010

Gallery artists express the universal "Ahhh!" that heralds the arrival of fair weather, bountiful gardens, sailing on the lake, lush green across the landscape, refreshing cool waters.

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Celebrating the Handmade Book
A State of Craft Showcase Event
Preview April 29-30. On view May 1-30, 2010
Opening Reception: Sunday, May 2 from 1-5 pm -- Meet the artists

Soaring imagination and creativity fill the gallery this month, as 20 members of the Book Arts Guild of Vermont and Gallery artists present over 50 unique, handmade books. Historically, book arts skills derive from the traditions of calligraphy, hand-made and hand-decorated paper, hand-sewn bindings, moveable pop-ups etc. Contemporary artists interpret these traditions in new and exciting ways. The Guild has held exhibits in Burlington, Shelburne and Rutland, and this is its first show for the public in the Vergennes/Middlebury/Addison County area of Vermont.

Book Arts Guild President Nancy Stone explains, "The creative culture of book arts has spread across the state. We are now celebrating our 5th anniversary as a Guild with over 250 members across Vermont and in other states as well. We meet monthly, sharing knowledge and skills, and have a long list of activities, blog entries, renowned speakers, and fieldtrips. To share an event with a newly hatched gallery that has existed for less than a year in a community outside Chittenden County is a wonderful opportunity!"

Participating members of the Book Arts Guild include Jill Abilock, Judy Brook, Eilssa Campbell, Bradley Fox, Rachel Gilmore, Amy Laipdow, Maryann J. Riker, Elizabeth Rideout, Vera Ryersbach, Susan Schlack, Judy Sgantas, Carolyn Shattuck, Nancy Stone, Sally Turner, Marcia Vogler, Ann D. Watson, Cynthia Weiss, and Susan Winslow. Artists books by gallery artists Janet Seaburg and Daniel Doyle, and a photographic series by Kirstin Hoving, "Roots & Wings" are also on view.

As part of the statewide Vermont Crafts Council’s 20th anniversary Showcase Events, guild members will display unique artists’ books, offer classes and guest speakers, and participate in Open Studio Weekend over Memorial Day weekend. The 2010 State of Craft Showcase was organized by the Vermont Crafts Council, in cooperation with the Bennington Museum, the Vermont Folklife Center, and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.

Hands-on workshops for adults and children
To register, call 802 877-3850 or email info@creativespacegallery.org.
“Pop-up Books” with Ann Joppe-Mercure, Saturday, May 8, 1:30 – 3 p.m. $15 per person, ages 6 and up

Art for everyone! Paintings, photographs, ceramics, furniture, works on paper, fiber arts and wooden objects by member artists and visting artists and artisans. Our Gift Certificate program allows friends and family members to contribute to the purchase of a work of art.

Works by gallery artists are always on view, including paintings, photographs, fiber arts, and furniture. Gallery artists include Eloise Beil, Carol Calhoun, Marsha Chase, Kit Clark, Timothy Clark, Annemie Curlin, Daniel Doyle, Fiona Cooper-Fenwick, Georgina Forbes, Anne Galante, Karin Hardy, Kirsten Hoving, Clayton Perkins, Judith Rey, Carol Stenberg, and Jeanne Wisner.

Visit our gallery space on Main Street in historic Vergennes, Vermont.

235 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491
(802) 877-3850
info@CreativeSpaceGallery.org