How to go
What: “Art at the Mill,” Anita Tresslar/Neptune Hot Glass exhibit
Where: Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road, in Darke County about five miles east of Greenville
When: Continues through April 24
More info: (937) 548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com
Artists have a knack for taking the natural beauty in the world and enhancing that positive aesthetic so others can enjoy it. You can enjoy the still lifes and landscapes of Tipp City artist Anita Tresslar and the under-the-sea gems by Berry Davis and Collette Fortin at historic Bear’s Mill.
Some of you may remember when Tresslar showed her exquisite still lifes at the Dayton Art Institute’s regional gallery in 2001. The avid gardener grows beautiful petals and leaves outside, and she can bring them inside to do her magic with paint and brush. Her work has evolved during the past 10 years.
“I took a workshop with Janet Fish in Maine four years ago. I would prepare my canvases with burnt umber over white gesso. So I was starting with a very dark background,” said Tresslar, who entered the art world when she retired from nursing in the 1980s.
“She thought I should switch to a white background, so I could hit my lights and midtones quicker.”
Tresslar is a color master.
“It’s been so dreary this past winter. Turning on the lights and painting nice bright still lifes kind of gets me through the winter,” said Tresslar, who has also begun to sell smaller acrylic pieces in the Daily Paintworks challenge through eBay. You see more of her works at anitatresslar.blog spot.com.
Not to be outdone, Davis and Fortin of Neptune Hot Glass in Lima, are presenting beauties from under the sea encased in clear glass. They build aquatic pieces using various types of glass and precious metals, heated to 1,000 degrees. These oceanic-themed glass sculptures make you want to jump into a wetsuit and strap on an oxygen tank to go see it for yourself.
“Berry and Collette are devoted to the preservation of the oceans and oceanic life,” said Bear’s Mill representative Julie Clark.
In addition, Fortin is presenting artisan jewelry, using gemstones to accentuate the character of the metals. The gallery is operated by The Friends of Bear’s Mill, a nonprofit organization.
Contact contributing arts writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.
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