We see the Arts on Main staff around the gallery and know that they are surrounded by beautiful artwork day-in and day-out, but we don’t often get to ask them about their personal tastes and what they like to collect.
Using the current exhibit as the perfect opportunity, we asked each member of the staff to select a few of their favorite pieces from Shaped by Fire. Here they share a little bit about what they thought makes each piece so special.
Alisa Potter, Gallery Manager
Nature’s Bounty, Wood & Glass, Norma Geddes
Sea Glass Circle in Wood, Wood & Glass, Norma Geddes
“I like the grain and smoothness of the wood with the texture and color of the glass especially when the light shines through them.”
Nature’s Bounty 
Sea Glass Circle in Wood
Sunrise on the East River, Copper & Glass, Shelley O’Connor
“I am also picking Shelley O’Connor’s copper and glass piece as I like the copper and glass being similar in color. I also like when the light passes through the glass as it highlights the copper color.”
Saraya Cheney, Assistant Director, Programs & Marketing
Resonance, Hand-Forged and Textured Steel and Burnished Copper, George Cramer
“What I really appreciate about this piece is George’s ability to beautifully balance textures, mixing metals to create the appearance of different materials; even using the metals to reflect light, and sound, in a variety of ways. It’s not at all what you might think would be produced by the hands of a blacksmith. Then again, George is a true craftsman, and he’s constantly challenging my preconceived notions of what it means to be a blacksmith.”
Bonfire, Metal, Patrick Andrews
“There’s something truly special about a piece of art that you can connect with emotionally as well as visually. Pat’s piece, Bonfire, struck me to the quick on all accounts. The title and silhouette conjure up something quite primal but the piece has a grace and elegance to it that is almost lyrical. Each strip of metal is perfectly cut and curled to create a single dancing flame. Texture has been applied, in free-flowing lines, to further accentuate the movement in the piece, creating a striking contrast between the coated metal and the raw material beneath. It’s the perfect marriage between Pat’s love of his chosen medium and his ability to work it in interesting ways.”
Betsy Henderson, Executive Director
Sunflower Rain, Repoussé, Harriet McGee
“Harriet McGee’s whimsical piece “Sunflower Rain” is a fine example of her metal repoussé work. The textures and colors are typical of Harriet’s luminous style and give the work her inimitable movement and fluidity.”
Southbound, Metal, Patrick Andrews
“Pat Andrew’s graceful piece, “Southbound” is a wonderful use of his medium to convey motion. By stripping it down to its essential lines he is able to create a work of power and grace.”
