In the Gallery

ChathamArts Gallery in historic downtown Pittsboro is staffed primarily by volunteers, including many local working artists. During a fall exhibit Oct. 2 to Oct. 27 the gallery reaps the work of 14 such artists, including:

• JEWELERS Aud Ackerman, Anne Bigelow, Lynell Dodge and Chrissy Jahnes

• FIBER ARTISTS Blaine Harkins, Judy MacPhail, Jane Palkowski, Lynette Russell, Lyn Sims, Barbara Thompson and Janet von der Heide, Pat Randorf

• PAINTER Marrianna Osolin-Putnam, Anne Botto, Florence Johnson, Mary Heisserman

• GLASS ARTIST Gretchen Niver

• POTTER Ruth Morgans, Kira Dirlik

• PHOTOGRAPHY Elaine Rhoades

• JEWELRY Deirdre Brown, Lyla Shumate

Meet the artists during a gallery reception on October 7 from 12 noon to 5, when Pittsboro galleries, shops and eateries will be open for First Sunday, with arts and crafts for sale on the street. ChathamArts Gallery, which sells a wide range of local arts, is also open every week Tuesday through Saturday 11-5, at 121 Hillsboro St. 919-542-4144.

Aud Ackerman - Ackerman creates jewelry from the beads she makes from polymer clay. She is a founding member of the Capital Area Polymer Clay Guild, and has been working with polymer clay for five years.

Anne Bigelow – "Stones and other minerals are fascinating natural works of art. When I design them into bold, organic forms of jewelry, the very process of creating something new out of something so ancient is exciting to me."

Lynell Dodge - Her unique metalwork designs range from whimsical to elegant and showcase materials and influences from the North Carolina mountains, Piedmont and coast.

Chrissy Jahnes – "I work with metals in a variety of techniques including enameling, forming, forging, chain-making and others. Many pieces also have semiprecious stones and beads incorporated into their designs."

Blaine Harkins – Harkins is a hands-on artist who likes to create lots of color for felts, yarns and woven pieces. Most of Harkins' works are functional, but some are just 'eye candy' for the viewer.

Judy MacPhail – A basket maker for 16 years, MacPhail uses reed and natural materials such as waxed linen, vines, oak and ash to create woven baskets that are both functional and artistic.

Jane Palkoski - "My love of color, texture and design has been a joy as long as I can remember. With the new yarns available today and the resurgence of knitting, it is fun and exciting to create new designs. In addition to knitting I also have an interest in beading and find it fulfilling to work with both mediums."

Lynette Russell – The love of paper as a form of art and communication has been part of Lynette's life for many years. The use of materials, color and design reflects her interest in historical techniques and modern applications in making books and cards.

Barbara Thompson – "I’ve always enjoyed knitting, but not necessarily following patterns. I am now combining my love of yarn textures, shades of color, and math to produce some fun, Fibonacci scarves-—based on the golden ratio."

Marrianna Osolin-Putnam has been painting since 2003. "I paint with acrylics on canvas in a somewhat folk-art style, and am not afraid of color! Becoming a painter is an ongoing journey, and one that has added joy to my life."

Gretchen Niver - "Twenty five years in stained glass, and twelve working with glass fusing is still not enough. The possibilities of designing with glass are endless...bowls, panels, ornaments, color, texture, nature, abstracts, and on and on..."

ChathamArts Gallery exhibits and sells a range of original works by local artists, Tuesdays-Saturdays 11 to 5 and every First Sunday 12 noon to 5, 121 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, 919-542-4144.