Arts on Main September 2024 Exhibition
“Journey Along the Edge”
featuring
Sammy Anderson, Bill Fulton, Janet Griffin, Kathy Klein, Mary Montague Sikes,
Kay Van Dyke, and Patricia Zavada.
This unique exhibition will feature the diverse and exciting works of the seven original artists in who form the “Critique Sessions” that meet at Arts on Main. For more than 10 years, these seven artists have met monthly in Gloucester to share and discuss their in-progress art projects. Even during the pandemic years, the artists continued to meet, some of them joining by Zoom. Come see what these talented artists have created and possibly leave inspired to join them at their next meeting!
The opening of this exhibition will take place on Friday, September 6th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Arts on Main. Live music will be provided by Hunter Owens. Light refreshments will be provided and wine + beer will be available for purchase. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, September 28th. Arts on Main is open Wednesday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Thank you to our September Exhibit Sponsor, Edward Jones & The Walk to End Alzheimer’s!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
SAMMY ANDERSON
Sammy Anderson, who started as a watercolor artist and now explores the experimental possibilities of acrylics, enjoys the wide range of visions each Crit participant brings to the meetings. Sammy finds comfort because there is “no right or wrong” as others make suggestions and observations.
“An artist had just opened a studio near by and a friend convinced me to go paint for my mental health. My only experience had been the box of crayons distributed in every elementary classroom. I was easily hooked on doing more art, but found the need to go back to work. My first art venture after returning was metal crafting and then painting. Since I had not had any art experience in school I wanted to try all mediums. The Bay School was just opening near by and gave me the opportunity of classes to play with many different materials. I finally decided to concentrate on water media and need at least three more life times to experiment, but I am still lured away to sample something new. The fun is often in joining materials from different mediums together. I have taken numerous classes and workshops around the country and split my time between Mathews, VA and Eastport, ME.”
BILL FULTON
“I‘ve been a member of the critique group for on and off for five years. We have a core group of six production artists and a few weekend artists like myself. I find the comments on my work very helpful. If you find yourself in need of positive comments come and visit. I have a BFA from VCU in Richmond, VA as a Graphic Designer. I’ve worked as a designer for Philip Morris, Richmond, VA, Orange County Government, Orlando, FL and the VA Lottery, Richmond, VA. My interest are Photography, Pottery, Painting and Drawing and Print Making. I have shown my artwork in the Cabral Library VCU, Richmond, VA, Mt Dora Center for the Arts, Mt Dora, FL, Celebration, Disney World FL, Center for the Arts, Kissimmee, FL, Stewart Gallery, Gloucester, VA and Arts on Main, Gloucester, VA. The Critique Group is a fun place to share your work.”
JANET GRIFFIN
“Hi there, my name is Janet Griffin and I am a fiber artist. Specifically, I’d like to say I am a tapestry Weaver. I use a cotton warp background on my loom, and I inlay wool yarn to create an image. My Tapestry weavings are based on the techniques developed by Theo Moorman, based in England.
Additionally, I find felted wool extremely creative. Felted paintings, felted bowls, felted flowers, felted purses work extremely well together.My favorite kind of fiber is Corriedale, Romney, and Merino wool or yarn, cotton yarns, Silk, Leicester locks , and Mohair. Feathers are kind of fun too. As you can tell I’m very much drawn into texture.
I do love how wool can be soft and fluffy; and yet transformed into wet, thick fabric.”
KATHY KLEIN
“Visually, my mixed-media paintings are evocative rather than naturalistic. Layers of color predominate whether paint or collage elements, challenging or lyrical. Hard and soft edges play off each other in the same piece. Although the works suggest a literal meaning, they can also be read metaphorically. The work leaves “gaps” to be filled in by the viewer using hints and suggestions found in the abstract forms. Although I frequently work in a series, each of the works has individual and specific resonance. And, when shown together, they play off each other for a cumulative effect.”
klein’s installation, Colonialism, won the First Installation Prize at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in 2010. Her most recent show “Women’s Worlds” moved from Arts on Main to the Woman’s National Democratic Club gallery in D.C."
Mary Montague Sikes
Artist and Author Mary Montague Sikes (Monti) enjoys painting intuitively to create her colorful works of art. For years, she has used Robert Doak intense watercolors on Yupo, oil and cold wax on paper and cradled board, and acrylics on canvas as her favorite materials to bring joy and magic to the works she produces.Her journey began in childhood in Fredericksburg, Virginia where she played by the Mary Washington College campus and listened to student harp recitals at a nearby home. Her love of fine arts continued with the discovery of acrylics at the College of William & Mary and the development of large works on canvas when she earned her MFA at VCU. She draws, paints, and writes in studios in her beloved woods in West Point. She has taken and has taught classes and workshops all over the country, including at the Art Academy in Hilton Head, SC, in San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Boone, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, Gloucester Arts on Main, and more.
Visit her website at https://marymontague.artstorefronts.com
KAY VAN DYKE
Kay Van Dyke is an exceptional artist and the visionary owner of the Village Art Colony. An architect with over 30 years of experience and the founder of Arts on Main, Kay has created an art space that not only showcases her own impressive portfolio but also serves as a nurturing environment for fellow artists. As the driving force behind the Village Art Colony, Kay has not only cultivated a community of talented individuals but has also empowered emerging artists by providing them with a platform to exhibit their work and share their creative voices with the world. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive artistic community makes her a true inspiration.
PatRICIA Zavada
Pat Zavada brings unique excitement to the group as she experiments with a variety of materials, creating a sculptural twist to all her work. A self-taught artist, Pat expresses a certain happiness in her three-dimensional creations that often might hang from the ceiling or spread out loosely across a wall. Pat experiments at home and participates in activities in Charlottesville.
At the opening reception, live music will be provided by Hunter Owens.
Many Thanks to our September First Friday Music Sponsor, Yolanda’s!
A Musical Odyssey From Mathews, Virginia
Nestled in the serene heart of Mathews, Virginia, Hunter Owens was born and bred amidst the timeless beauty of this coastal town. His journey into the world of music started with the simplest of joys—singing.
From the earliest years of his life, Hunter's voice carried the promise of something special, a rare gift that would one day enchant audiences near and far. At the tender age of six, Hunter embarked on a new adventure when he picked up his first guitar. Those initial strums may not have produced symphonies, but they were the humble beginnings of a lifelong love affair with the instrument. Hunter readily admits that he wasn't a prodigy from the start, but he possessed something even more precious: an unyielding determination to improve.
In his quest to master the guitar, Hunter found an invaluable guide and mentor in Barbara McGlohn. Her expertise and unwavering support became instrumental in shaping his musical journey. With each lesson, Hunter's technique grew more refined, and his understanding of music deepened.
One of Hunter's regular performance spots is the Gwynn's Island Baptist Church (GIBC), where every Sunday, he lends his musical talents to create a harmonious backdrop for the congregation's spiritual journey.
Hunter Owens is more than just a young musician—he is a living testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the nurturing embrace of a close-knit community. His journey from an aspiring artist to a dedicated performer is a source of inspiration to all who hear his music. As he continues to captivate audiences with his melodies, Hunter Owens stands as a living embodiment of the magic that can happen when one follows their heart in pursuit of their dreams.