Are you seeking the unique — a fun and whimsical gift, or a small regional painting – by local artists? December at The Green Phoenix Gallery brings all this and more; featuring the much-loved felted works of Laura Rankin, and palette knife oil paintings by Diane DuBois Mullaly.
Artisan and children’s picture book author/illustrator Laura Rankin’s lively miniature needle felted creations for this season focus on ornaments and brooches. You’ll find tiny Santas decked out in acorn cap berets, mice in holiday finery, seagulls, mallard ducks, elves with tall pointy hats, winter birds, and jewel-toned felted acorns. Plus a few holiday surprises.
Laura taught herself needle felting about nine years ago. When she received her first batts of wool it was love at first sight. “I look at a soft, fluffy handful of gorgeous, dyed wool and I see its sculptural possibilities as a whimsical character or object. It’s a magical and unexpected way for me to create. I love the rich colors — the palette is endless, and the texture and smell of the wool soothes me.”
Diane DuBois Mullaly will hang the unsold paintings from her Adkins Arboretum exhibit, “Light and Life”, a series of thirty-two small, vibrant palette knife oil paintings created en plein air during the past year at Adkins Arboretum; as well as in the artist’s studio while working from field studies, memories and reference photos. These works were painted in the spirit of the Daily Painting movement, where each piece is 6”x 6” and quickly captures a moment unique to the Arboretum. Filled with light and life, or quiet contemplation, this series includes close and distant interpretations of Adkins’ landscape, through the seasons.
“As I painted the creeks and marshes, the meadows and woodlands, I began to understand — what makes Adkins so special to me is that I can participate in the spirit and wonder of it all. At first my paintings were pure landscapes which included nothing man-made. Then, as the series developed, it came to include some of the magic-filled objects the Arboretum director and staff have imaginatively incorporated to enhance our interaction with nature. Bluebird box number 8, the Gnome Sweet Home, the Funshine Garden, one of the goats, the purple martin houses, a tree decorated by children during Candlelit Caroling — all became subjects that called to me.”
Gallery owner Andi Tassencourt invites the public to The Green Phoenix on First Friday, December 7, from 5 to 8 pm, to meet both artists — watch Laura do a felting demo, and talk with Diane about how she paints — shop their newest works, and enjoy some wine, yummy finger foods, good company and conversation. Says Tassencourt, “Laura’s meticulously crafted, reasonably priced felted creations are a wonderful complement to the international flavor of hand crafted works by our Fair Trade artisans, in combination with our eclectic mix of fine, artisanal crafts by local artists, and oil paintings by Diane DuBois Mullaly. All come together to offer an environment with a full range of creative arts and wonderful holiday gifts for the community to enjoy!”
And FRIVOLOUS FIBERS Yarn Boutique, located inside The Green Phoenix Gallery, adds even more interest, featuring an ever changing collection of its own line of gorgeous, hand-spun, and hand-dyed yarns.
The Green Phoenix Gallery is located at 31 N Harrison St, Easton. 410-822-7554. Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm. www.facebook.com/greenphoenixgallery
Kathleen Carroll says
I just want to add that Laura Rankin is a wonderful teacher of needle felting. If you ever have a chance to take a class with her, you should try it.