Vessels:
Celebrating the Use of Containers as Subjects in Art

"Peeled Orange" - Terry Trambauer Norris
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May 13, 2005 through July 1, 2005

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens proudly presents an exhibition of the works of twelve (12) Florida and Georgia artists. The show, "Vessels" will have a May 13 opening and run through July 1, 2005. Curated by Daytona Beach Community College Professor of Studio Arts, Pamela Griesinger, "Vessels" will include two dimensional and three dimensional pieces.

The twelve artists participating in "Vessels" include the following:

• Bert Beirne of Flowery Branch, Georgia,

• Li-Hung Catron of Tampa,

• Christine Colby of Orlando,

• Denis Deegan of Ormond Beach,

• Jacquie Fort of Vero Beach,

• Margaret Toelle - Hovan of Daytona Beach,

• Ken Jensen of St. Augustine,

• Marc Johnson of Ormond Beach,

• Terry Trambauer Norris of Oviedo,

• Frances Massey of Ormond Beach,

• Valerie Seligsohn of New Smyrna Beach,

• Sang Roberson of Ormond Beach.

Stephanie Stephenson described a vessel as an area of containment, a shape with an interior contour and an exterior contour.  In the language of visual communication and mythic, emotional and psychological reference it is a womb, a heart, a gourd, a burial urn, an egg, a place of safety, a prison, a place of emergence, a place of secrecy, of safety, of plenty. It is woman, it is body, itself.

The twelve artists exhibiting in the Ormond Memorial Art Museum show have captured this array of references, including Valerie Seligsohn, who divides her time between Philadelphia, PA and Ponce Inlet, FL. She is presently an adjunct professor of art at DBCC and has had over 15 solo exhibitions. A BFA graduate of Cornell University, her vibrant landscapes and still-lifes are in numerous public and private collections throughout the US, including Yale University.

Terry Trambauer Norris of Oviedo, FL will present her two dimensional oils which offer exquisite realism. In contrast, Ormond Beach artist Marc Johnson playfully presents his Boot as a upright, vertical expression of human containment.

Ceramic artist Ken Jensen of St. Augustine spent several years designing surf boards and now combines the contemporary art of airbrush painting with the ancient Japanese tradition of Raku in the creation of his remarkable pottery. From thrown pots, air brushed landscapes and seascapes are glazed and fired using the Raku process of heating to 1700° and placing in sawdust under a can to smoke. The quick cooling creates crackling of the glaze while the cool body absorbs smoke and becomes stained black. Glazes containing copper then produce metallic lusters of breathtaking beauty.

DBCC Pottery Instructor Denis Deegan whose organic pieces are a local favorite, describes the vessel as an abstract concept which makes us human. The vessel is full and empty as the same time. Full of promise; empty of substance. Humans have had vessels from our start. The brain that holds our humanness; the rocks and fetishes that hold our spirits for good fortune. Deegan asks how could any concept be more important than the vessel...even if it is just a single cup to hold our morning coffee.

Also joining the twelve is ceramic artist Christine Colby of Orlando Florida. Her fresh, contemporary collection of vessels gives containment a delightful, colorful edge. A look at Colby's work leaves the observer feeling that these vessels are far more than utilitarian. They are festive, funky and fun.

The opening reception is Friday, May 13, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Museum.  Museum members, artists and their guests are invited to attend.

The Museum staff is happy to accommodate media outlets by arranging artist/curator interviews or photo, film, and video shoot schedules with advance notice. Contact Museum Director, Ann Burt,  at (386) 676-3347 for more information.

Museum hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Seniors (60+), students and children are admitted to the Museum free of charge every day; a $2 donation is suggested for adult visitors.

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is located at 78 E. Granada Boulevard (SR 40), Ormond Beach, beachside, on the southeast corner of Granada Boulevard and Halifax Avenue. Phone (386) 676-3347 for details and information.

 

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This web page was updated on 31-May-2008 07:11 PM -0500