Artists of the Month, Fusion
Michele Shute and Penny Stuart
After retiring from teaching,
Michele Shute
was able to indulge in a life-long love of arts and crafts. Michele had always enjoyed silver smithing and leadlight but was totally enchanted with the art of painting on silk at her first attempt approximately ten years ago. The way the dye spreads across the silk has an almost magical effect on her and the silk enhances the beautiful colours with its magnificent lustre. Silk painting is a wonderful medium for depicting our underwater world and much of Michele's work is influenced by this factor.It is delightful for Michele to be in partnership again as Artist of the Month with our renowned local lead lighter,
Penny Stuart
Though still working with leadlight and copper foil techniques, Penny's work is now predominantly fused and slumped glass. This is a fascinating process, using a kiln to combine layers of glass, giving a rich and sometimes textural effect, and, of course, always the possibility of the unexpected! Penny has made a series of wall pieces for this display, which are based on insects and plants from around her bushland home at Woombah. The fragility and delicate nature of the fauna and flora of the coastal heath continue to provide the inspiration for her work.There will also be a range of Penny's fused glass pendants and earrings on display, with some new designs for the winter season. The handmade, kiln fused jewellery is made from layers of Bullseye and dichroic glass.
Dichroic glass has a thin coating of metal oxide deposited onto its surface, causing it to both transmit and reflect light. This gives the distinctive 'colour shift'. The pieces have been cut, layered and fired in the kiln in stages, up to four times, before completion. Each piece is unique and Penny's designs are constantly evolving.
Both artists accept private commissions and are happy to discuss work with clients. Their work is on display all year round at Ferry Park Gallery, Maclean.
Junior Artist of the month, TAYLAH HORNE
Taylah has shown an aptitude for painting and drawing since she was young and she and her nana spend many happy hours together working on their drawings. Taylah is fascinated with all forms of ar and craft and completed her first silk scarf when she was five.
She enjoys experimenting with shapes and patterns on the computer and has produced some interesting designs. Taylah entered some of her school artwork in this year's Maclean Show and was thrilled to win a first and second prize. We hope her love of art will continue to grow as she matures.
The 45th LCACA Open Art and Craft Exhibition will be held on 9-11 July this year at the Maclean High School and Jim Thompson. We are continuing our tradition of a combined exhibition of arts and crafts, to be held as an annual event each July. Entry forms are available from the gallery and our website
Ferry Park is open 9-5 every day
Do come along and visit the Ferry Park Gallery which is open every day from 9-5 to see creations of our many talented artists
Phone 66453700