Aug. 29- Sept. 2: “Piercing the Mundane"

Posted on 8.28.12

In March, a group of six female artists conceived a gallery exhibit that would not only showcase their abilities, but also explore inspirations and recurring subjects plucked from nature. Thus, the Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 will feature “Piercing the Mundane: The Women of NoHa” (North Haywood County) now until September 22.

These residents and artists of northern Haywood County and their mediums are the following: Suzanne Gernandt (textiles); Kaaren Stoner (clay); Susan Livengood (mixed media); Caryl Brt (wood); Sheree White Sorrells (textiles), and Kim Thompson (sterling silver and stone).

Strongly influenced by her time in Japan and reverence for the diversity in nature, Kim says, “I am continually paring down initial concepts. The best designs reveal themselves on their own when I, and my hands, are simply tools through which the process unfolds." Her jewelry is pictured above.

Suzanne Gernandt’s process of touching, smelling, and seeing the silk, linen, and cotton fabric that she uses has a rich effect on the outcome. She explains, “I generally work on several pieces at a time.   Frequently a piece hangs incomplete on my wall for some time, not quite ready to be finished.  I try to be patient; I pace, I take a walk.  Come back.  There it is.   Telling me what to do next.”

Kaaren’s time spent outdoors is reflected in the repetition of leaves and trees in her work while Susan Livengood looks at the point where nature and humanity intersect, whether it be positive or negative.

The exhibit exemplifies the Council’s mission to build partnerships that promote art and artists, explore new cultural opportunities, and preserve mountain artistic heritage. This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

In conjunction with the Waynesville Gallery Association’s Art After Dark, a free wine and cheese artists’ reception will take place on Friday, September 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. On Saturday, September 8, the Gallery will be open for a “Saturday Stroll” from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mingle with the artists at Friday’s or Saturday’s event and come to your own visual interpretations of their art.

Gallery 86 is located at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. The exhibit runs from August 29 until September 22, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.