Queen Anne’s County Arts Council’s Centre for the Arts will host a month long multi-media exhibit beginning on October 29. “Form, Function, Frivolity” brings well known regional artists to the Centre for a exploration into the worlds of wood sculpture as furniture, whimsical and useful ceramics, a view of nature in detail and in abstract and design elements in jewelry. Vicco von Voss, Karen Cunningham, Laurel Sprenger, Ric Conn and Eileen Johnson will have their work on display through November 5. A preview and public reception will be held on Friday, October 28 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Born in Kiel, Germany, von Voss works primarily on commissioned pieces at his studio in Centreville, Maryland. His respect for the history and individual nature of each piece of wood he works with inspire and guide his designs, resulting in a unique alignment of engineering, craftsmanship and creativity. His work has appeared in numerous publications including “The Washington Post” and “Art Matters” magazine. His works is held in private collections in the U.S. and Europe. He is an award winning artist and former apprentice to Heinrich Meyerfeldt.
Ceramicist Cunningham approaches her art through experimentation, risk-taking and a great interest in having fun during the process of creating artwork. She studied both wheel and hand building at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland and also at Anderson Ranch in Colorado. All have inspired her style, but it was Juan Quezada, a renowned potter from Mata Ortiz, Mexico, whom she credits for influencing her special style to her current work. She continues her studies at “All Fired Up” studio in Easton, Maryland and works from her studio in Grasonville, Maryland.
Artist Sprenger’s work recalls the delicacy and detail of the Audubon style. Her subjects, often birds, insects and fauna are the stars of her work which rarely incorporates background elements. The results linger with the viewer long after the initial encounter. A biology and art student at Trinity Western University in Canada, she has worked internationally teaching the importance of caring for creation. A resident of Centreville, Maryland, she has launched a line of note cards and invitations, LaurelSprengerCards.com.
Birds, buildings and people are just some of Conn’s subjects, and they are all approached with a loose style and excellent eye for composition and often comedy. Primarily self taught, he has studied at the Corcoran College of Art in Washington, D.C., the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland. He is an award winning artist who has also created graphic works of art including posters, children’s book illustration, CD cover design, and even logos. His paintings are held in private collections in the U.S. and Australia. He is a contributing member of Maryland Federation of Art, Art Exposure in Baltimore, and the Academy Art Museum. His work is represented by Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York; Art Exposure, Baltimore, MD; and Creative Edge Gallery, Stevensville, MD.
Owner of TempiDesign Studio, Johnson started her career as a dental laboratory technician whose side interest in jewelry making combined to create what is now a thriving business. Specializing in handcrafted bronze, sterling silver and gold she creates small, wearable works of art with equestrian, wildlife, waterfowl and other subjects. Her jewelry is an elegant and enduring art form that can be passed on to others for generations.
The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9-5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, or by appointment at 206 S. Commerce Street in Centreville, MD. For more information, please call 410.758.2520. The Centre receives support through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. We connect artists to audiences and the community to the arts. Visit us on the web at www.arts4u.info.