Working the Layers opens Oct 5th

On Friday, October 5, from 5 PM – 7PM, the Gallery at WREN presents the opening reception of Working the Layers. The reception features two artists who work in layered mediums to achieve reflections of the world around us. Nancy E. Adams is a mixed-medium encaustic artist who manipulates hand-dyed cotton to mimic colorful sunrises, sunsets, and ocean storms. Martha Elmes is a paper artist, printer, and painter who layers and arranges her mediums to create imaginative, winsome, and provocative pieces. Both artists invite viewers to spend time with their works. They hope viewers contemplate not just the product, but also the process of creating art.

The opening reception is part of the monthly First Friday events in Bethlehem. Which includes exhibits at 42 Maple Contemporary Art Center, Maia Papaya, and Rek•Lis Brewery. After the reception, Working the Layers will be on display in the Gallery at WREN during the month of October. The Gallery is open daily from 10 AM – 5PM.

Working the Layers is generously sponsored by Cherry Blossom Floral Design of Littleton, NH, who is a long-time supporter of WREN and WREN artists.

Martha Elmes is an artist and art educator with a BA from St. Lawrence University and a MA in Arts and Education from Lesley University. Elmes is a longtime Adjunct Art Faculty at Lyndon State College and past resident at the Vermont Studio Center. After teaching Art in area schools for over 40 years, she is now a paper artist, printer, and painter. Elmes has exhibited in many Vermont galleries, including Burlington’s Flynn Theater for Discover Jazz commemorating Miles Davis and the music of “Bitches Brew”, and the “Arts Connects” Juried show at Catamount Arts. She has work in galleries in New Orleans on Royal Street, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Nancy E. Adams is a mixed-media encaustic artist who blends her interests in photography and fiber arts with the luminous quality of beeswax to create dreamlike seascapes and landscapes. Her technique of manipulating hand-dyed cotton contrasts with the more traditional process wherein color is achieved through the use of colored encaustic medium. Recurring ocean and mountain themes predominate and are a reflection of the artist’s New England heritage. Adams enjoyed a 25-year horticultural career with UNH Cooperative Extension before pursuing her artistic talents full time. Adams established Studio 25 in 2004 as a NH fiber arts studio dedicated to creating functional art – scarves, handbags and fashion accessories. That same year, she became a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen (LNHC). Her work can be seen at LNHC retail stores, Exeter Fine Crafts, at WREN, and on her website: www.studio25nh.com.

The Gallery at WREN sets the standard for fine art galleries in the North Country. Established in 2001, the Gallery serves as a cultural outlet for the creative expression of a community. It’s a place where the public can gather to enjoy, learn about and appreciate art. Open year-round, the Gallery presents a new show each month. It features local and regional artists who have been carefully selected by a juried committee. Along with two popular open-call group shows for WREN members. The Gallery was a catalyst for Bethlehem, NH’s First Friday events on Main Street. In addition to monthly Meet the Artist receptions during First Friday, the Gallery hosts a variety of events throughout the year. This includes artist talks, demonstrations, slideshows, and workshops. All are aimed at directly engaging people with art and art-making.

WREN is a nationally recognized not-for-profit that provides and supports strategies for entrepreneurial development, access to markets, Main Street revitalization, and rural economic development. WREN inspires possibilities, creates opportunities, and builds connection through community and is dedicated to bringing rural people together to realize better lives and livelihoods by providing resources, education, and opportunity. For further information, visit www.wrenworks.org.