CRAFT Gallery opens “Nature as Muse”

CRAFT Gallery opens its first show of the season on May 25th with “Nature as Muse”. Nature is one of  the principals of art and craft. Rocks, trees, lichen and leaves are subjects that inspire this show’s artists. All mediums are represented: painting, drawing, calligraphy, sculpture, textiles, jewelry and glass. Sculptor Jacques Vesery says “It is human nature to be inspired by our surroundings”. He strives to create an illusion of reality with repetitive patterns found in nature. Water, sky, rocks and leaf patterns appear in his work, reinterpreted and fantasized in his meticulous wood and acrylic sculptures. Each artist has his or her own story to tell: what they see, experience and are inspired by. The meadows, bogs and trees that surround her property are the resources for Dudley Zopp’s work in this show. Alana Vanderwerker is fascinated with the beauty and significance of lichens as she walks through the Maine woods. She searches for specific specimens to paint, satisfying her interest in biology and botany. Nature has always been one of the many themes in Lissa Hunter’s art, using a variety of materials and processes.  Weaving, basketry, pottery, painting and drawing are all part of her oeuvre. Her work is in the permanent collections of museums throughout the country. Glass artist David Jacobson’s glass “rocks”,  part of his new Cairn Series, has been influenced by the many rock cairns that people build to help others find their way along the trails he hikes in the hills near his Montville studio. Jacobson has just been recognized as the Microenterprise of the Year by the Small Business Administration of Maine. He is foremost an artist, mentor and educator, promoting a new generation of glass blowers.

These and other distinguished artists are included in CRAFT’s opening show which will continue through June. The gallery represents Maine artists working in all mediums with a special emphasis in fine craft.  CRAFT will participate in the First Friday Art Walk on June 1st. Many of the gallery artists will be there to talk about their work. The gallery is in the brick courtyard at 12 Elm Street in Rockland. FMI visit www.craftonelm.com or call 207 594 0167.