Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Featured Artist for September: Meghan Merkey

Meghan MerkeyWe sat down with Meghan to ask her about how she got started and what inspires her work.  
Here is what we learned!

"I started working with clay when I was an early teenager and loved the freedom it allowed, and the therapeutic response I got from being completely focused on what I was creating. I decided to further my education in ceramics and received my bachelors of fine arts from Northern Michigan University. Since then I have stayed active in the ceramics community doing an artist in residence at Watershed Center for Ceramic arts in Maine and entering shows, now having moved to Montana I am creating work to share with the people who come through Paint, Metal and Mud. 

Porcelain Pod
People often ask me what exactly they are looking at and I tell them that they are creations inspired by the natural world. They aren't any specific plant species nor is it my intention to try to replicate nature, I simply bring an abstract vision to life. 

The journals that are being featured this month started from making a book for myself. I chose a children's book and made it my journal. A good friend of mine saw if and requested one for herself and one for a gift, from there it has grown into something that I love to make and introduce to peoples lives. Journaling has always been a big part of my life and I get excited when people want to write their thoughts or feelings in one of my books."

Image

Stop by the gallery to see Meghan's unique ceramics as well as her fun secret journals!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Last Art Walk of the Season This Friday!

Summer may be ending, but there is still time to come out and enjoy the warm autumn air and of course some great art (and some tasty nibbles!)

Join our featured artist Meghan Merkey on Friday Sept 7th  (from 5-8) and be sure to check out her 'hidden journals'--unique handmade journals hidden within covers of old books!  And while you're at it, give youself the perfect vessel to hold some dried flowers from your garden, Meghan's ceramic pods are a beautiful way to hold on to summer, while transitioning into fall.

Some of Meghan's dried flower holders
Some of Meghan's dried flower holders