Our members are keeping busy with making art and pursuing other creative activities. Here's a little check in with some of them....
John Hartman [photographer] took some time to compile a really dynamic slideshow of images he has taken in the past year of his travels and the environs around our beloved Stevens Point community paired with music that he recorded in his home recording studio (all the instruments and tracks separately! Wow!). If you need something uplifting to watch, check out
A Mindfulness Exercise.
Lynn Kirby [potter] has been working on a new series of fabulous new shapes in her vessels (check out
our Facebook page where we posted a collage of the great shapes!). We can't wait to see what they look like glazed! She is also working on making masks for donation to healthcare workers. If you are interested in helping with that effort check out instructions and where to donate them locally here:
Making Masks. Just remember: Masks are an extra precaution, not a replacement for the ones we already should be taking, specifically washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds frequently, and physical distancing by staying away from groups of people and keeping a buffer of 6 feet.
Joan North [jeweler] and
Pat Gaska [fiber artist] are continuing their prep for the next Gallery Q exhibit 'Pieces to Masterpieces' featuring their beautiful jewelry and quilting. We still have that on the calendar to open in May, and we are hopeful that will be the case!
Pat Gaska [fiber artist] created a bright geometric textile that "is a deconstructed panel, a full map of the world. My hope is to convey that though the world is broken, still we are one." This work will be in the upcoming 'Pieces to Masterpieces' show (See image in collage, and info about the show below.) Pat has also been putting her prodigious fabric stash to work making masks to donate to the local healthcare facilities. Way to give back with your talents!
Dan Sivek [painter] is working a new triptych. These three paintings are quite large and he has to have three easels in place to work on them. We can't wait to see the BIG reveal!
Jessie Fritsch [encaustic painter] is always a busy bee, making new encaustic beeswax paintings. Did you know that she posts a new fact about bees on her Facebook page
Jessie Fritsch Encaustics every week?
#BeeFactFriday Next summer she is planning to do a pollinator themed exhibit which will bee awesome!
Carmen Duran [painter] is always painting and drawing, pushing her creative boundaries. She forayed into a more abstract route with a painting called "Embrace" (see collage). She also
took the time at home to do a clean out of her supply stash and realized she had more than she needed. So she then offered it to anyone local that wanted to stop by and pick a few things to take home . She had sketchbooks and paints and all sorts of goodies. Her generosity allowed so many kids and families the opportunity to create! Way to go! Generosity is kindness multiplied!
Elise Thornton [basketmaker] says, "I hope you’re all taking advantage like I am to create work. I’m kind of enjoying no commitments and keep myself motivated to be busy. Good time to do some spring cleaning and sorting, organizing materials. I’ve also been out doing some harvesting before things start growing. I’m looking forward to doing some yard work soon. The birds are back and spring will come." Such a great positive attitude and proof that you can enjoy the beauty around you every day!
Sandi Ticknor [potter] is also an art teacher in the Stevens Point School District, so she has been very busy making sure that all her students get a bit of art in their lives with engaging and fun lessons. Sandi says,
"I haven't been making anything as far as my own art. Instead I am working on connecting with all of my students online and preparing to start online lessons with them next week. I've connected with some students this week as they upload "Art from Home!" into Artsonia, which is wonderful, but I really miss all of the smiles and laughter and energy! Next week all of my students, from K-6th grade will focus on small observational drawings or paintings as they create an illustrated alphabet, working on one letter per day. They will be using various materials to create these because they will be using whatever materials they have at home. I'm super excited to see the multitude of ideas as they begin creating! Today I am making samples of drawings and paintings in a variety of mediums things that start with an A so that students can see that they can create it any way that they want.
" Your students are so lucky to have you teach them!
Patrick Plunkett [sculptor] was inspired by the events in the world to make a very heart-felt new sculpture called "Life Is Fragile. Handle With Prayer." This sentiment is a perfect solace in this time of uncertainty, no matter what beliefs or faith you profess. Patrick's work is always so deeply personal and meaningful and we are glad that he is sharing his creations!
Mary Therese Murphy [fiber artist] has been having fun with all her grandkids, including two of her oldest who have been framing their artwork. Best way to make your art real is to put it in a frame and display it proudly! Now would be a great time to find those doodles you made while on a business call from home, or that artwork your kid brought home from school (no matter if your kid is 8 or 28 or 48!) and put it on the wall for all to see! Oh, and she is also working on some colorful new scarves and her silk fusion fiber art, coming to Gallery Q soon!
Bob Rosen [photography] says he is "still alive and kicking and working on images from Colorado last October." So we expect to see some wonderful new vistas from the camera of Bob in the future!
Erin Prais-Hintz [mixed media + jewelry] is trying (in vain!) to use this time at home to clean her Bead Cave! (Ooh! Look! Something shiny!) She has more beads than she will ever know what to do with which can only mean....new jewelry should be coming soon! And she has been playing with polymer clay making more clay slabs to turn into components as well as some mixed media mosaics. Stay tuned!
Mary Lee Reineking [painting + mixed media] is back from her trip in the southwest and working on finishing up the paintings that she did inspired by her travels. Watch for new work to come to Gallery Q soon!
Graham Coulson [furniture maker] is the current show at Gallery Q. So sad that we can't see it! But below are a few pictures of some of the wonderful pieces he created. He does custom orders, so be sure to check out his
portfolio. Now would be a great time for him to create something special just for you! We hope that you will come and see it when we are able to be open!
