Special Reception w/ artist - Mary Beth McClure
In-Town Gallery presents the artwork of Mary Beth McClure, whose collection of new pieces, "Creations in Glass" displays her innovative formation of warm glass, combining exciting colors and textures in multi layers and various shapes. The exhibit runs through the month of November. Gallery visitors can meet the artist at a special reception on the First Friday, November 7, 2008, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Sharing the evening, Eleanor Goodson will present her special annual showing of her newest custom-designed jewelry during the reception.
Ms. McClure explains how she discovered this specialized artistic expression, "My fascination with glass started 25 years ago. Initially, I custom-designed work in foil-wrapped and leaded glass pieces. Then I caught the warm glass 'bug'. Passion and an inability to stop learning has lead me to many workshops." She has studied with Gil Reynolds, Avery Anderson, Brad Walker, Robin Evans, Jane Persico, Lisa Vogt, Tommy G, Philip Teefy, Patty Gray, and Richard LaLonde.
Fused glass art is created by layering different colors and types of glass and firing them in a glass kiln. Her work requires repeated firings at temperatures up to 1500 degrees which produce the designs and textures for each unique piece. There can never be two identical pieces because of the unpredictable nature of the medium.
"My art is a pursuit that leads to my 'burning the midnight oil'. I often think I'm ready to stop, but the glass has a mind of its own. As I pull, drag, and rake colors, the glass evolves; I can't quit. The glass, its own master, leads me to follow."
Regularly seen at the Chattanooga Market, Ms. McClure's glass creations are also displayed at the Museum at Five Points in Cleveland, TN, and the Morris Gallery. She has been invited to participate in the TACA ( Tennessee Association of Craft Artists ) annual exhibition for many years, and has won awards for her special designs.
Featuring original fine art by more than 30 regional studio-artist members, In-Town Gallery was founded in 1974 and is one of the oldest cooperative galleries in the country. Members are selected through a double-jury process, and are required to produce all new work for the gallery's semi-annual openings. In addition, the gallery's Featured Artist exhibits introduce new work by a different member each month.
In-Town Gallery is located at 26A Frazier Avenue, between the Market Street and Walnut Street bridges on the "hip to historical" North Shore. It is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00pm; and until 8:00 pm every First Friday. For information, call 423-267-9214 or visit the website: www.intowngallery.com.
Info via Mary Quinnan Whittle of In-Town Gallery.