Something for everyone
“Something for everyone” is the phrase to describe the two new exhibitions opening Friday, June 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Parkersburg Art Center. The works in both exhibits are by members of the Innovative Arts Alliance, a group of artists from Ohio and West Virginia. It is a “creative convergence,” with sculptures, drawings, paintings, carvings and textile arts in all forms on display.
“We are really thrilled to be welcoming back members of the IA,” says Abby Hayhurst, Art Center director. “Their exhibit in 2009 was one of our most popular shows, because of both the broad variety of works, and also the great skill level of the various artists.” Alliance members include Vern Allen and Ele Rumen-Allen of Amanda, Ohio; June Baker of Ellenboro, WV, Lynda Berman and Lanna Galloway of Athens, Ohio; Susan Nash and Susan Stubbins of Zanesville, Ohio; Thaddeus Brejwo of Whipple, Anna Prince of Marietta, Ohio; and Andi Stern of Chauncey, Ohio.
In the Main Gallery will be an exhibit called “Full Spectrum: a Tribute to Diane Eyerman,” which will feature works by all the Alliance members. “Diane Eyerman, of Chillicothe, Ohio, is an amazing textile artist and a member of the Alliance, who is ill and unable to work,” according to Hayhurst. “Each of the other members is doing a special piece in her honor, and many of them are using her textiles in their own works. We will also have some of her own works on display, so Diane will be very well represented at this showing.”
The exhibit will in the Art Center’s Main, South, and Whitlatch galleries. Opening at the same time, in the Esbenshade Gallery, will be works by Thaddeus Brejwo, a member of the Innovative Arts Alliance. “Thaddeus is a colorful guy, who is at home in many different mediums. He paints, he sculpts, he can do it all, including designing for the stage,” says Hayhurst.
The opening reception is open to the public, with an admission charge of $10 per person. There is no charge for Art Center members. The exhibit is open for viewing Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through July 16. Daily admission to the Art Center is $2 for adults, with no charge for children under age 12.
A Note From Doug Kreinik...
Being in the textile business and the craft business, textile art is one of my all-time favorites. Every few years, the Parkersburg Art Center has a supurb collection of work created by the Innovative Arts Alliance , a group of artists from West Virginia and Ohio. I was able to get a sneak preview of much of the exhibit when the director Abby Hayhurst called me and said, “Doug , you have to get over here right away.” To quote my son: “Awesome.” What a great collection of quilts, embroidery and other forms of textile arts and sculpture. I would really recommend the drive or visit, whether you are coming through Parkersburg or making a day trip.One of the artisans, Andi Stern of Chauncey, Ohio has three pieces on exhibit: Octopus' Garden, Boogie Shoes and Twelve Step, using Kreinik braids and sewing threads. This is a very exciting set of work. The pieces are stunning and we are so excited to be represented in such a way. For more information on her textile art, her blog is http://andreasternart.blogspot.com .
