Tropical colors usher summer in

LIBERTY, NY — Tropical Colors, an exhibition beginning Saturday, June 10 and running through Sunday, July 30 at the Catskill Artists Gallery at 38 South Main Street, features new works by potter Barbara Brown and fiber artist Buff McAllister. The sun-drenched vibrant colors of the materials set the tone for a Catskill summer. The objects—vases, plates and mugs by Brown, wearable art and fiber hangings by McAllister—are created to be used and enjoyed.

The opening wine and cheese reception on June 10 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. is open to the public. Other gallery members Robert Friedman, Cecily Fortescue, Kathy Jeffers, Greg Miller, Sumari and Hank Schneider will be on hand to discuss their work.

Potter Barbara Brown writes, “My introduction to clay was as a military dependent relative on the island of Okinawa. I was enthralled by the work of a master Japanese potter throwing huge urns on a standup kick wheel. He allowed me touch the spinning clay with wet fingers and a sensation became rooted in my being. It was decades later that I came upon the opportunity to pursue a secret dream, to become a potter myself.”

Fiber artist Buff McAllister writes: “I was inspired by a trip to Mexico in March. The area (Baja California Sur) was essentially desert—very dry looking except for some farms and oases. But the houses are just bursting with color—like stucco flowers springing out of the arid landscape. Pink, orange, yellow, lime, teal, rust, pale blue, orchid—and every combination you can think of. Combinations we probably wouldn’t use here—but we should. Joyous uplifting color, not garish at all, but softened by the light and the weathering and the stucco. Even the small structures in the cemeteries are joyful colors. “Safe” beige and white are suddenly boring.”

Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

For more information visit catskillartistsgallery.com or call 845/292-0310.