11/24/18 Taste The Rainbow... of Paintings, and Hand Knits, and Silks!
'Tis The Season to join Ronni Meltzer, Ken McNeill, and Bonita Maria Simpson on Saturday, November 24th from 11:00 until 5:00 as they debut their latest collections of One-of-a-Kind Original Artwork, just in time for the holidays.
Ronni Meltzer began to knit when she first picked up two pencils and some string when she was only five or six years old, as she was trying to copy what "Aunt Em", her neighbor, was doing. She explains, When I was a child my Grammy used to knit, crochet and sew things for me! My favorite pair of multi colored mittens with a ruffled cuff has been imprinted on my brain for ever. I sure wish I could find them or the yarn to duplicate them. I feel that handmade items are made with love! Perfect gifts!"
The colors and feel of different fibers is what keeps Ronni creating today. Last year, when she was at a fiber festival in Raleigh, she was drawn to the brightly colored sheep in a painting across the room. Upon further investigation, she discovered the original paintings of Ken McNeill, and she knew that they were kindred spirits. After introducing his work to ARTworks Vass, she sourced a variety of yarn that closely resembles the colors that Ken was using in his "Skittles Paintings", and she proceeded to create her own "Skittles Series Dreadlocks Hats" for adults and children. This year, she's also made "3 in 1 Hats" that can be a hat, a messy bun hat or even a cowl, and she's also perfected her "Pick a Pair" finger-less gloves. (That's right, you'll never live in fear of loosing one of a matched set again!)
Ronni's favorite thing about ARTworks Vass is that it's provided her with the opportunity to try something new that she's never done before. She's taken several classes this year, including stained glass, pottery, and painting.
Ken McNeill, of Sanford, began painting in oil in 2010, and he continues to be inspired by color, contrast, light, and darkness. Ken loves that his work may find a home with seasoned collectors, and also with those who wish to give the gift of art to those they love. His small paintings can be incorporated into any décor, and they can be hung on the wall or displayed on stands in more limited spaces. Ken's ideal collector is one who would like to build their own flock or herd of animals. As he explains, "My paintings provide them with this opportunity, with a lot less work and expense than owning the real ones!" Ken loves the positive energy that he's found at ARTworks Vass, and within the artists and collectors who regularly gather there. He's also especially drawn by the big city quality of the gallery and the small town feel of it. During this event, Ken's collectors will have a rare opportunity to purchase prints, greeting cards, and mugs that feature his artwork. These will make perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
In her own words, Bonita has been creating for herself and others for "a loooong time" - first with music, then theatre (lighting, stage and sound design), then wall art, and finally the world of wearable art. She loves painting silk fashions because they allow her collectors to express their own unique personalities by wearing her original art. Her iinspiration comes first from the natural organic world, and, of course, fabulous people, like Ronni and Ken! Bonita is also known to chase rainbows and waterfalls; but that's a story we'll allow her to share with you in person. New for Bonita's Winter Collection this year will be velvets and Dupioni pieces, including home fashion accessories.
Please note that most every piece featured during this event is a one-of-a-kind-original. As such, individual works will be secured by collectors in the order that requests for them are received both online and in person.
For additional information, please email info@artworksvass.com or call 910-245-4129.