ARTSVILLE Collective: “Between the Lines” Exhibition

ARTSVILLE Collective at Marquee opens its first public exhibition showing guest artist Micah Mackenzie’s mixed media and Rhona Polonsky’s ceramics, along with the work of founding artists Daryl Slaton’s pop animation and Louise Glickman’s mixed media. Between the Lines will be on display from February 1 through April 24 at 36 Foundy in the RAD (Booth D11). The styles of each artist differs greatly but connect through thoughtful storytelling, coming alive in a mix of mediums, paint, clay, textiles and animation. The viewer is encouraged to consider how they come together, to read “between the lines.”

Micah Mackenzie mixes media with mark making into imposing layered abstracts mimicking memories from childhood: playfulness and whimsy with splashes of color, seemingly with abandon. A closer look reveals balance and harmony within the chaos. Coatings of storytelling lead us to consider the human condition from the subversion of mythology to the magic of science. He invites us to see inside to what is intrinsically beautiful and empowering.

Rhona Polonsky’s pottery uses the language of lines and spaces that merge and connect to reveal their meanings: lines as boundaries to be crossed or parallels to read between. Her doodling since childhood grew in expression as she traveled the world, teaching young international students for over thirty years in Asia and Africa, from Indonesia to India. Her sgraffito vessels, lively and offbeat, evoke amusement, playfulness, whimsy and enthusiasm. They speak to us in a special language that warm our hearts with both simplicity and sophistication.

Daryl Slaton’s work is overtly whimsical as he introduces his newest anthropomorphic character Gallagher, a playful tiger cub who entertains us through animation and augmented reality. Over twenty panels speak to us through the digital powers of augmented reality and the eyes and antics of Gallagher, a character staunchly loyal to people and place. These narratives bring both smiles and amazement evoking warm memories for adults with their own stories to tell their families.

Louise Glickman’s storytelling is revealed through weaving of nets and textures where lines move over, under and around using bits of fabric, paint and plant materials. Her highly textural works are largely connected through her own life experiences and a love of nature and travel. Select pieces reveal her special interest in understanding the yin and yang of countries and cultures that have informed her worldview, from her childhood in New Orleans to travel with the Penland School to Cuba, Japan and Denmark.