February Artists 2009

Donna Simon and Sandy Whitby at Gallery Nord
"River Light" "River Walls"	Donna Simon: River Walls / River Light   One of my most cherished activities is my morning power walk on the Riverwalk Annex in the King William neighborhood. As I move along, I truly enjoy looking at the variety of textures and patinas on the river walls. Furthermore, I am fascinated with the sunlight reflecting off the water onto the walls at a very specific time and place along my path. (Click image for larger view.)
	Sandy Whitby As an artist, clearly we expose ourselves through our medium. We learn about ourselves through the process of painting. Each painting is a new lesson as we explore what fascinates and inspires us about the world around us. I am drawn to the contrast between elements that are earthy, gritty and aged with metallic and other slick manmade materials. I also like the physical aspect of painting — using your hands, getting dirty and finding out where a painting will take you. Painting is something like therapy—it feels good to put things down on canvas and watch it evolve. The opportunity for personal growth is limitless. (Click image for larger view.)
Bettie Ward
" Woman having a relationship with a cactus" From the series Optimism and Horror	This new work portrays my take on almost every issue for which I have deep feelings: war, death, love, nature, communication, affection, new life, caring for one another, mercy, sexuality, murder, evil, goodness, balance, and the state of things in general........ ......This body of work has been two and a half years in the making. I have continued to produce the embroideries with a group of women in San Miguel de Allende. I taught them to embroider 12 years ago and at this point we are like family. My drawings have become more entertaining and complex, and the embroiderer’s skills have increased as well. (Click images for larger view.)
Parchman Stremmel, Potters Guild Annual Show
	Cat Bani-Yassin, "Flower Bottle" Vince LoMonaco Best of Show (Click image for larger view.)
	Dennis Smith, "Some Memories are Painful" Glenn Puckett Creativity Award (Click images for larger view.)