Out of the Hen House. Lisa Joerling, artist
Mica, in downtown Bakersville, celebrates its 10th anniversary during the month of December with a special exhibition featuring former member artists. An opening reception takes place Friday, December 2, from 4–7 p.m. Participating artists include Jacque Allen, William Baker, Joy Tanner, Pam Brewer, Claudia Dunaway, Jon Ellenbogen, Rebecca Plummer, Susan Feagin, Selena Glass, Carmen Grier, Terry Gess, Suze Lindsay, Shaunna Lyons and founding member Cynthia Bringle.
“It was a major event in my life to be part of Mica and to join the stellar group of artists who initiated the idea,” says Dunaway. “With shared expenses we were able to have a storefront and the advertising that no one artist could afford alone.”
Small Mica Book Sculpture 2022. Vicki Essig, artist
The founding purpose of Mica was to create an artist-owned gallery that helped local, regional, national and international customers deepen their appreciation for the handwork made in WNC and to be part of the revitalization of the town of Bakersville through cultural tourism. Mica members still see the gallery as an opportunity to contribute to the cultural, educational and economic development of the community.
“Looking back on what we have accomplished over the past ten years, I believe it is group effort made by members old and new that has led to our success,” says current and founding member David Ross. “Mica has benefited from being in a community with so many artists who want each other to be successful.”
The gallery has gained many loyal customers over the years, including Linda Brashear, of Johnson City. Her recent purchases include a small piece by Vicki Essig, who is known for her intricately woven works in silk. The delicate hanging object incorporates embedded handwritten text from a historic document along with dried flowers and ferns between sheets of mica. Bakersville resident Barbara Middleton refers to Mica as her go-to place for special gifts, as well as a place she brings out-of-town guests. Martha Blevins of Winston-Salem has been coming to the gallery since it first opened, doing her annual holiday shopping there.
“Our daughter, who lives in Washington, DC, gave a piece by Robbie Bell to a co-worker at National Geographic,” says Blevins. “The piece can be seen across the country in Zoom calls from that office.”
Mica members will show works in December with a holiday theme, perfect for special gifts and stocking stuffers.
Mica is located at 37 Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. and Sunday from 12–5 p.m. For more information, call 828.688.6422 or visit MicaGalleryNC.com. Follow the gallery on Facebook at Mica Gallery NC and on Instagram @micagallerync.
