Arteco Gallery's "Kaleidoscope" opening, Saturday, September 27 (back)
The beauty of autumn in the mountains is stunning- gold, orange and burgundy against the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky-- a world awash with color. And it is this color- twisting and turning in unexpected ways- that has inspired the Arteco Gallery's new group exhibition "Kaleidoscope" -which opens this Saturday in downtown Cumberland.
The word "Kaleidoscope" originates in the Greek kalas ("beautiful") and eidos ("form") and therefore is a most appropriate title for this exhibition which features the work of ten artists whose artwork or "forms" that are truly beautiful.
Whether the bold palette of Randy Coleman's dramatic abstracts or the gentler one found in Jean Barnes Downs' monoprints; paintings on paper by Joanna Athey and Melissa Hackmann in cheerful orange, yellows and greens; or the brilliant blue of Terry Bachman's wood collage- "Kaleidoscope" both reflects and expands upon autumn's glory.
Webster's defines "Kaleidoscope" as "a variegated changing pattern or scene" and it is this definition that most clearly describes this exhibition. Indeed, one finds in the Arteco Gallery artwork that captures in paint and paper, glass, ceramics and wood the "variegated changing patterns and scenes" that is the essence of autumn..
Of course, a kaleidoscope also refers to an instrument containing loose bits of colored glass through which we can see an endless variety of patterns. Visitors to the Arteco Gallery will also have on opportunity to enjoy kaleidoscopes of this kind which have been beautifully handcrafted by Spruce Forest artisan, Jim Cummings alongside pottery by Josh Brown; jewelry by Dalis Davidson and Cecilia Battle; and blown glass by Suzanne Duquette.
Arteco Gallery's exhibition "Kaleidoscope" does justice to the season, and is a feast for the eyes. If you've never been to the Arteco Gallery before, this is a good time to do so. If you know it well already, the variety and exceptional quality of the art will not surprise you.