Spirits of Autumn: ‘A Magical Gathering of Artists’ this Friday and Saturday in Spruce Pine

Spirits of Autumn 2019: ‘A Magical Gathering of Artists’
Friday, September 20th 12-7 pm
Saturday, September 21st 10am - 5 pm

Artists reception Friday from 5-7 pm

Upstairs at Toe River Arts (269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC)

Good friends, textile artist Louise Grenell and doll maker Sally Morgan Guérard, were pondering things they enjoy creating over lunch at Weaverville’s Well Bred Bakery two years ago. Their conversation ventured into a shared love of Fall and Halloween. “We have no venue in the area for those of us who produce this kind of work,” Louise said. What evolved from that conversation is an invitational show and sale, “Spirits of Autumn, A Magical Gathering of Artists,” which will take place Friday, September 20, from noon until 7 pm, with a reception beginning at 5 pm, and Saturday, September 21, from 10 am until 5 pm, upstairs at the Arts Resource Center at Toe River Arts in Spruce Pine.

There are ten invited artists participating in the show and sale. Dorann Nelson is a mixed media artist with a background in architecture and design. Incorporating unique materials, her Halloween art presents a peculiar and uncommon take on modern classics. Lisa Gluckin is known for her bold, playful work in ceramics. Valerie Beck will contribute her celebrated blown glass Story Bowls with tales such as “The Raven,” and “The Headless Horseman.” C.R. “Pap Pap” Troxell will offer his whimsical, narrative folk paintings.

There will be weaving, ornaments, and work of flora and fauna created of hand-dyed wool from Louise Grenell. Sally Morgan Guérard will craft seasonal soft sculpture and brooms. Beverly Carroll, who works with “bewitched” media, will show jewelry and mixed media. True Kelly’s photographs will evoke spirits from another world inspired by her work with children and extensive folk art collection. Glass artist Jan Williams Ritter will focus on her special crow necklaces.

Judson Guérard, philosopher turned glass artist, says, “Halloween is a playful acting out of our fears of the unknown, engendered by the twilight of fall transitioning into the night of winter.” He will have glass pumpkins, gourds, and drinking cauldrons to offer as an antidote.

www.spiritsofautumn.com
Instagram #spiritsofautumnshownc
Facebook #spiritsofautumn

(image from the Spirits of Autumn Facebook page)