Photo Gallery
Holiday superlatives: In-Town Gallery mounts biggest show during most wonderful time of the year
The biggest show of the year is underway at In-Town Gallery, marking not only new works by member artists but the introduction of three new members.
The gallery "refreshes" twice a year, explains spokeswoman Jennie Kirkpatrick, and artists and crafters have been working since May to create a body of work for this 43rd annual holiday show. For some of the artists, she says, the holiday show inspires new directions in methods, materials or inspiration.
And since this is the season for giving, Kirkpatrick adds, the gallery is "ready with everything from serious collector pieces to token gifts - something for everyone."
Founded in 1974, In-Town is one of the oldest artist cooperatives in the United States. Its 30-plus artists specialize in American craft and contemporary art. The artists staff the gallery, so visitors often can learn about the creative process behind certain pieces from the artists themselves.
If you go
› What: 43rd annual Holiday Show.› When: Through Nov. 30. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday (until 8 p.m. first Fridays), 1-5 p.m. Sundays; closed major holidays.› Where: In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave.› Phone: 423-267-9214.› Online: Facebook and www.intowngallery.com.
Displayed on the feature wall this month are works by the three new members of the artists cooperative:
Linda Wicksell
Wicksell grew up in Massachusetts and studied at the Modern School of Fashion Design in Boston. A move to California was followed by 28 years in Maryland, where she worked in banking. She credits years of art study and workshops for the foundation of the abstract expressionist works in pastel and acrylic she now produces.
Marie Bergheimer
Born in Savannah, Ga., Bergheimer received a BFA in painting and drawing from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She draws on her early memories of the Low Country: tidal waters, salt marshes beaches and horizons for works. Her Oratorio series is inspired by small niches found in walls throughout the Mediterranean world.
Margaret Park
A Chicago transplant, Park studied at the American Academy of Art and School of the Art Institute of Chicago, among other schools. Her colorful, eye-catching floral watercolors are carefully planned, but take on lives of their own during the execution of the works. Strong light plays an important part in her series of tree paintings.