Red Pedestal Bowl with Cherries. Scott Summerfield, artist
By Gina Malone
As a dazzling complement to the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend, happening in downtown Waynesville and throughout Haywood County from Thursday, January 29, through Sunday, February 1, Salmagundi Gallery will present Frost & Flame: Winter Glass Works, opening Tuesday, January 6, and running through February 6.
Green and Frosted Splash Vessel. Rob Levin, artist
Salmagundi Gallery prides itself on highlighting artists from Western North Carolina and those who have strong ties to the region’s craft schools. “Visitors to the gallery can expect to see an impressive range of glasswork showcasing each artist’s unique approach,” says gallery co-owner Jerry Jackson. “The exhibition highlights styles from intricate cane work to metal-infused castings, and includes both functional and sculptural pieces. Above all, guests will experience exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design from every artist represented.”
Among those represented is Scott Summerfield who began working with glass in 1998 while a student at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, TN, and now has a studio in Bakersville. “I will be exhibiting a mixture of home décor such as gold leaf pumpkins, acorns and candlesticks as well as my unique, vibrantly colored sculptural collections,” Summerfield says. “Each piece I create explores a delicate balance between beauty and tension, inviting curiosity through its bold color, crisp lines and undulating form.”
Buddha Disc. Susan Gott,
artist
Burnsville’s Kenny Pieper will also have work on display during Frost & Flame. “My work is a celebration of traditional techniques, opulent colors and classical forms,” he says. “Much of my work is inspired by early Italian, Swedish and Danish glass. Many of the techniques I use come from those early glass makers as well as some I have created myself. I enjoy being part of that tradition, but try to make work that is more contemporary and, hopefully, work that has my own voice.”
After working in glass for about 50 years, Rob Levin, also of Burnsville, says that he is still fascinated by the medium and feels that there are mysteries yet to be solved in the process. “I love the spontaneity, fluidity and whimsy which are inherent properties of hot glass,” Levin says. “My work, whether more sculptural or functional in intent, has maintained a certain continuity in terms of style. The approaches I use are sort of eclectic—a blend of Late Venetian and Early Neurotic.” His work for Frost & Flame will include vases, bowls and frosted glass sculptural pieces.
Additional participating artists are Nate Cotterman, John Geci and Susan Gott.
Diva Series. Narcissus #2. Kenny Pieper, artist
Events for the Ice Fest Weekend include an Ice Block Party in downtown Waynesville on Friday, January 30, from 5–8 p.m., featuring ice sculptures along Main Street. Salmagundi Gallery will be open during the event, serving drinks in ice shot glasses and showcasing its glass artists. Other downtown businesses will also stay open late for the event.
“The Ice Fest and the accompanying glass exhibition highlight the remarkable diversity of merchants and activities found in Waynesville and throughout Haywood County,” says Jackson. “The exhibition showcases the exceptional talent of artists from Western North Carolina and reflects the creative appeal of the region.”
Salmagundi Gallery is located at 136 North Main Street, Waynesville. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at SalmagundiGallery.com. For more about the Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend, go to VisitHaywood.com/things-to-do.
