Stumptown Art Studio is featuring a unique exhibition with an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. at the August 7 First Thursday Gallery Night in Whitefish. Ceramic artist Stephanie Seguin and Mixed Media artist Kristie Caratelli will present “Running Circles”. Shape and texture are the elements that bring Stephanie’s and Kristie’s work together in this collaborative show.
“My goal as a maker is to create a sense of wonder and intrigue, to spark a curiosity in how something was made, or to question what the creative process was,” explains ceramicist Stephanie Seguin. “I want to create a desire to touch, to make a mug with a tactile path like that of a quilt, in an effort to pull attention of a viewer so much so that they need to pick it up and explore the piece. My plates, bowls, cups, etc. should give each viewer and user a sense of joy and satisfaction in their every use” she continues. Although her work is highly decorative, she makes pieces that are primarily functional so that each piece can find use in an everyday kitchen and daily living spaces.
Mixed-media artist Kristie Caratelli uses circles in her current work to symbolically represent an evolving cycle of life and energy. “I tell stories in my art, and I do my best work when I let the painting or sculpture unfold or speak to me,” tells Kristie. “Tucked within the layers of paint, texture and paint are positive messages, memories and the importance of being connected to Mother Nature and to each other,” she says. Kristie draws her inspiration from life experiences, music, adventures in the woods and the amazing people and pets that fulfill her life.
“Running Circles” will be on exhibit at Stumptown Art Studio through September 2, 2014 at 145 Central Avenue in Whitefish, Montana. The non-profit community art center is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 on Sundays. Art activities at the center include paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, mosaic-making and year-round classes and workshops for youths and adults. A clay co-op is available for using the facility and fabulous artwork sales are in the gift area. Ongoing exhibits can be seen along the brick wall in the gallery
Whitefish Gallery Nights 