The Green Phoenix Gallery is pleased to present A TREASURE TROVE OF TINY ART during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk on December 2, from 5-8 pm.
The public is invited to enjoy the much-loved felted works of featured artisan and children’s picture book author/illustrator Laura Rankin, meet and talk with the artist, and watch her demonstrate needle felting. Her lively miniature felted creations include tiny garden cottages and gingerbread houses; Nativity scenes, Santas, gnomes, and mice bearing gifts; cheery foxes, winter birds, jewel-toned felted acorns, and some fun surprises!
“This medium is a perfect extension and complement to my work illustrating children’s books,” says Rankin. She taught herself needle felting about six years ago while recovering from hip replacement surgery, and when the first batts of wool arrived by mail, it was love at first sight. “I look at a soft, fluffy handful of gorgeous, dyed wool and I see a 3D character or an object come to life for me in a way I wasn’t expecting. It’s a very joyful way for me to create. I love the rich colors – the palette is endless, and the texture and scent of the wool are very soothing to me.”
Also featured is a new group of miniature oil paintings fresh from the studio of award winning resident artist Diane DuBois Mullaly. These tiny original artworks, none larger than 25 square inches, reflect Diane’s intrigue with and love of the flora, fauna and landscape of our Eastern Shore. Included are her interpretations of native and domestic animals and birds, wildflowers and gardens, and skies and waterways.
“After a very busy plein air season of loose, expressive painting outdoors, I found myself drawn back into the studio to focus on a new grouping of miniature paintings. The impressionist feel of my plein air work filters into these miniatures, along with just enough detail to make each painting an uplifting little world filled with light and color. My goal is to paint a sophisticated work with a bit of charm, and give each painting a poetic soul that speaks to the viewer.” The artist will be on hand to meet the public, show you her tiny paint brushes, and talk about how her work is created.
Both Laura and Diane are offering a special holiday raffle, where the public can enter to win either a Rankin felted holiday ornament or a box of Mullaly greeting cards. And in the festive spirit of the holidays, they invite you to spice things up by wearing some fun, sparkly holiday bling. As will they!
The Green Phoenix Gallery always features a unique and beautiful selection of fine, one-of-a-kind handmade crafts by local artists, and Fair Trade gifts from around the world. You will find interesting items for all ages — from charming wooden toys to lovely sea glass jewelry, from elegant scarves to whimsical mobiles — something for everyone. There is also an impressive collection of attractive ceramics, quilted wall hangings, woven baskets, fragrant soaps and lotions, and an excellent array of seasonal items for your special holiday shopping needs. In addition, FRIVOLOUS FIBERS Yarn Boutique, now located inside The Green Phoenix, is featuring a beautiful, new collection of gorgeous, hand-spun, and hand-dyed yarns…!
The public is invited to The Green Phoenix Gallery for all ‘First Friday Gallery Walks,’ from 5 pm until 8 pm each month to meet the featured local artist, enjoy some wine, ‘finger foods,’ good company, and conversation. We hope to see you there! The Green Phoenix Gallery is located at 31 N Harrison St, Easton. 410-822-7554. Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm, and Sundays from 11 am – 4 pm. www.facebook.com/greenphoenixgallery
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