How to go
What: Art by Nathan and Linda Jones and Vicki Rulli/Tom Heaphey
Where: Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road, in Darke County five miles east of Greenville
When: Continues through Oct. 20
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
More info: (937) 548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com
Is it a pitcher or an elegant pelican? Is it waves on the water or wood grain? Two creative couples have combined the fanciful with the beautiful in the current show at Bear’s Mill, just east of Greenville. The exhibit by Hoosier silversmiths Linda and Nathan Jones, and innovative Ohio photographers Vicki Rulli and Tom Heaphy opened on Sept. 27.
Linda and Nathan Jones make their home and maintain their fine craft studio on a small farm in Indiana. Dedicated to producing exquisite contemporary jewelry and metalwork, the couple works both collaboratively and separately using sterling silver, copper, and local hardwoods. They produce elegant art that is wearable and/or functional.
According to the artists, “from boldly textured surfaces to smooth, inviting handles, our work says, ‘Please Touch!’ ” Each of Nathan’s vessels is unique in form and style, while Linda’s jewelry demands to be noticed. More of their artwork can be seen at www.persimmonmetals.com.
“Linda and Nathan create dramatic, striking pieces that also emanate a sense of simplicity and earthiness,” said Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear’s Mill.
Native Ohioans Vicki Rulli and Tom Heaphy moved to Springfield in 2006, believing that the city provided the working and living space they needed to inspire their creative endeavors. Their wood panel photographs consist of images taken by Vicki or Tom, then printed on wood. The type of wood is selected for its grain, overall character and beauty. Images and individual pieces of wood are matched to complement the final work of art. All of their encaustic, aluminum photographs, and wood panel photographs can be viewed at www.itinerantstudio.com.
“We desire to not only capture the physical beauty of a location, but also the emotion created within us by the experience,” Rulli said. “We hope that our work reflects the true spirit of the scenes we photograph.”
“Art At the Mill” has received funding from the Ami McClurkin Community Fund, held by the HOPE Foundation of Darke County, and is also supported by Darke County Endowment for the Arts. The art exhibit is on view during regular Mill store hours. Historic Bear’s Mill is owned and operated by The Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization.
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