March 2011 Gallery Information

This Friday, March 4th, as part of the downtown Art Crawl, the Watauga County Arts Council will showcase new artists in their galleries. These are located at the Jones House at 604 W. King Street and will be on display until March 25th.

Lynne Townsend PhotographyThe Mazie Jones Gallery will feature the beautiful photography of Lynne Townsend. Lynne has been an avid photographer for 25 years. She has cultivated a lifelong passion for celebrating and depicting people and nature. Her exhibit this month is titled, “Mountain Whispers”. Over the years, Lynne has won awards and her work has been featured in publications such as, “Country Magazine”, “Photographers Forum Magazine”, “NC Wildlife Magazine”, the cover of the “Marco Island Guide Book”, and even the cover of our own Ray’s Weather Calendar in 2007. She also won 1st Place in 2010 for a Cat Calendar photo for Lynne Townsend PhotographyWorkman’s Publishing. Lynne says that, “I feel life is about passionately doing what you love. My desire is that the beauty, awe, and inspiration that I feel and see in all of nature is captured with the click of the shutter, and that each picture projects that energy and in some way resonates with the viewer.” Her desire is that each picture will take the viewer on their own personal journey to places remembered and adventures yet experienced.

The Open Door Gallery is pleased to have the works of a group called “Studio Crew”.  This group meets to paint in John Bond’s studio at The Art Mart Academy. Some have painted with John for a year or so, and most have had his guidance for several years.  They come from a variety of art backgrounds, experiences and subject interests, but the one thing they have in common is their love of painting.  The Studio Crew currently has their art in several local establishments. You may have noticed their work at Pepper’s Bar, Christopher’s Wine Shop or the Watauga Medical Center. Most of their work is in acrylic or oil.  The artists featured this month will be Julia Allen, Melanie Hawthorne, Marie Hosfield, Sharon Moore, Lisa Pepper, and Stephanie Welden.  You will enjoy seeing the diversity of work from these artists and reading their personal stories as you view their art.