“A Little Something”
“A Little Something”
Support local artists; Tri-County Arts Council Small Works Show sure to impress
Tired of long lines in big box stores or scouring the internet for this season’s most popular gadgets? Looking for a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for that special person in your life? For a gift they won’t wear out, re-gift, or replace with next year’s new model, check out the incredible selection of art in the Tri-County Arts Council’s “A Little Something Small,” the third annual juried small works show. Visit in person at the Peg Bothner Gallery, located at 110 W. State St. in Olean, or browse and shop online at www.tricountyartscouncil.org. From now until January 14, the public is invited to view more than 140 pieces of artwork submitted by over 50 different artists from Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Now in its third year, the TCAC’s small works show features more artists and pieces than ever before, and according to Sean Huntington, exhibition coordinator, this year’s selection is incredible. “Every year, this has grown,” he said. “In the first year, we had approximately 100 pieces, and in the second year, we had 130. This year, we have almost 150 pieces and the quality is amazing - these artists just keep topping themselves!”
New this year, the TCAC is giving out awards in two categories: Amateur and Professional. Sean Conklin, assistant curator at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, will select winners for the following awards: Best in Show, Best Professional, Honorable Mention Professional, Best Amateur, and Honorable Mention Amateur. Each award winner will receive a cash prize and a year’s Artisan Membership, which allows the artist the opportunity to sell in the TCAC’s Artisan Market. The public is invited to stop in and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award now through Dec. 2.
Each participating artist submitted one to three pieces of artwork under 12 inches by 12 inches, and some have already sold out. Artwork ranges from watercolor, gouache, oil painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, stained glass, and more.
Jessica Boice, a new artisan member of TCAC and member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, has three pieces in the show: Go Fish, Windy Day, and Under My Cap. “My work ‘Go Fish’ is my first experience using ‘Yupo’ paper - a synthetic surface that does not absorb wet paint; the paint dries ‘on top of’ the surface,” Boice explained. “It's very unlike traditional watercolor papers, and has a unique set of challenges. This finished work has additionally been treated with a coating of acrylic sealant to prevent the painting from the adverse effects of moisture.” With the Allegheny National Forest at her doorstep, Boice is continually inspired by nature, specifically her interest in foraging, which has led her to discover much of her subject matter, including beautiful leaves, acorns, and fungi.
Wendy Bale, a multi-disciplinary nature artist who lives south of Jamestown, is primarily known for her paper sculpture and drawings. However, a recent opportunity to take a bas relief class had Bale working with clay again after many years, and the experience yielded three beautiful pieces which are in this year’s show. Speaking of her class, Bale said, “I chose an armored darkling beetle for my subject and found it very rewarding. The actual insect is tiny, only 3/4 inch or so, and these pieces give the viewer a closer look, as if seeing it through a magnifying glass. Sculpting in clay is very different than making paper sculptures, but some of the three-dimensional skills crossed over and I felt at home with the process.” Bale is excited for people to see these sculptures and has a large bag of plaster waiting to become more beetles!
A landscape painter and collage artist, Theresa Heinz may be a familiar face to many, as she grew up in Cuba, New York and taught high school art for 31 years in Olean and Allegany-Limestone. “‘Potato Boy,’ one of my pieces in the small works show, was inspired by a photograph I saw while at the Wyoming County Fair this past summer,” Heinz explained. “I was completely captivated by the earnestness in the photograph of this 4-H student, Bob McCormick. My other two pieces are floral collages incorporating gelli printing with acrylic paint. I love the translucency of the paint over the printed image.” She credits her junior high art teacher for inspiring her to become an artist, and she continues to share her passion through teaching art classes at the TCAC and Cuba Library.
Other participating artists include Samantha Aldrich, Beverly Amborski, John Balacki, Karen Barber, Elizabeth Booth, Ann Brantingham, Rose Brawn, Victoria Brown, Michelle Capizzi, Dianne Clark, Robin Clark, Lisa Eppolito, Ruth Flood, Barbara Fox, Patricia Gay, Ed Green, Lynda Harris, Lynn Heckathorn, Noah Howard, Sean Huntington, Ashley LaBombard, Bonnie Leigh, Myriam Mayshark, Keith McKale, Peter Midgley, Lilly Thiell Milliman, Nicole Missel, Norma Nevinger, Violet Nolder, Eva Potter, Carolyn Raine, Lynzie Rinamon, Denise Schneider, Paul Schonhart, Brooke Shumway, Geraldine Smith, Michael Smith, Melissa Stitzer, Jenn Stillman, Deb Stillson Travis, Darlene Subulski, Tara Walker, Mikel Wintermantel, Eileen Weishan, Michael Weishan, Jennifer Wolbert, Jon Wolsky, and Holly Zendarski.
While some pieces have already sold, all are still on display at the TCAC until Dec. 3. After this date, purchasers can take their artwork home with them, which is perfect timing for those who are planning to gift their piece! Every purchase supports the TCAC, as well as local artists who have invested their time and talent in creating these one-of-a-kind pieces. “This show is a wonderful way for local artists to introduce themselves to new collectors,” said Huntington. “We have an impressive community of artists in this area.”
To learn more or view artwork in the show, visit www.tricountyartscouncil.org and follow the TCAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.