Northern Highlands by Mary Storms, mixed media, 40×30
Sunset River Marketplace, the eclectic gallery in Calabash, will feature acrylic and mixed media paintings by artist Mary Storms from March 1 through April 15. There will be a public reception on Saturday, March 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. Reservations are not required.
Artist Mary Storms at work
Gallery owner Ginny Lassiter says, “I was fortunate enough to see Mary’s one-woman Wilson Arts Council show last year, and knew right then I wanted to feature her at the gallery. I’m delighted that Mary was able to carve out this time for us, and I encourage artists and collectors both to visit the gallery during her show and artist’s reception on March 18.”
In her Raleigh, NC studio, Mary Storms creates unique abstract mixed-media landscapes. Using a range of color palettes, her mixed media canvases (and some acrylic-only canvases) are almost always textured. For mixed media, she layers torn or cut handmade paper and/or recycled magazine paper with acrylic paint, sculpting paste and an occasional found object. To add additional depth and texture, portions of some layers are literally scrubbed off with water before the paint, glue or sculpting paste has completely set. For her acrylic-only canvases, she applies thick layers of paint with brushes, palette knives and her hands.
According to the artist, her intent is to provide a sense of the symbiotic relationship between the primeval elements – stone, soil, water and sky – and the life forms these elements nurture.
It was during a family cross-country move to California after her father’s sudden death that she first witnessed the overwhelming expanse, power and beauty of the natural environment. Now, as an adult, she continues her love affair with nature.
Storms has been the recipient of numerous honors and has studied with Stephen Quiller, Barbara Nechis, Bob Burridge, Jeanne Carbonetti and others.
Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by approximately 150 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, art glass, fabric art, pottery, sculpture, turned and carved wood and artisan-created jewelry. There are two onsite kilns and four wheels used by students in the ongoing pottery classes offered by the gallery. A custom framing department is available. There are realistic and abstract art classes as well as workshops by nationally and regionally known artists. For more information, call 910.575.5999 or visit the website at www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com.
Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy. 179), Calabash, N.C. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For daily updates, “like” the gallery’s page on Facebook.