In Town Gallery will feature Souvenirs, More than Memories, Inspiration, works by arists Barbara Murnan and Spears McAllester during April.
Ms. Murnan copper jewelry featuring Hawaiian seashells while Mr. McAllster gives a glimpse of his travels to base camp in the Himalayas. Contact: Jennie Kirkpatrick 423-479-2350
Their newest works will be introduced at the opening reception for Souvenirs on First Friday, April 5, from 5-8 p.m.
Mr. McAllester trained for several months to prepare for the trek in search of the most dramatic mountains in the world. Two days after arriving in Kathmandu, the trek began with a flight into the Lukla airport followed by 18 days of exploration. Ten of those days on the trail were at elevations of 14,000’ up to 18,195’.
Spending a lifetime with camera in hand, Mr. McAllester only recently turned this casual hobby into a serious pursuit. His snow scenes may look like classic black and white photographs, but actually are full-color images exactly as captured by his Nikon D7000 digital camera. His observations also result in close-ups of detailed abstract patterns found in the natural world.
Honing his skills with workshops in the Canadian Rockies and Yosemite, California, increased his desire to witness the majesty of mountains on the other side of the world. The resulting trip to Nepal filled his camera lens with rare images of Cholatse, Pumo Ri, Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Thamserku. Unfamiliar names to most, Mr. McAllester became closely acquainted with them. This exhibit introduces his collection of scenery in those high elevations.
Ms. Murnan loves to travel and discover new persons, places and experiences. Her recent trip to Hawaii included a favorite recreation - beachcombing. The seashells she gathered became more than just souvenirs, memories of those days. They inspired her to create her tropical spring collection of jewelry. Other natural treasures in the form of seed pods became ingredients in her new designs with twisted copper and silver wire and intriguing shapes. Metalsmithing has become her passion.
“I’ve always loved unusual, striking jewelry. It should be an extension of your inner being, the final stroke of creativity on the palette - which is you,” Ms. Murnan explains.