Amapola Gallery presents “Nature/Metal/Artistry,” August’s Featured Artist exhibit of works by Mary Ellen Merrigan and Kurt Wuerker.
If you want to make a statement with your jewelry, try works by Mary Ellen Merrigan. These one of a kind pieces incorporate semi-precious stones and a variety of metals with distinctive handmade chains. The chains are perfect expressions of rigid metal yielding to Nature’s graceful fluidity. Merrigan’s works often include distinctive beads, especially vintage trade beads. New for this show are a series combining baroque pearls and sterling, copper leaf with enamel earrings and beaded antlers. These New Mexico mule deer antlers are embellished with brilliantly-colored tiny glass beads whose design reflects the curves and nuances of the horn itself.
Metal artist Kurt Wuerker rejoices in the curves and nuances of Nature as well. His copper pueblos and mirrors are surrounded by or artfully draped in copper leaves and branches. He cleverly fabricates whimsical dragonflies, birds (including superb quail), cactus, leaves and vines. Kurt enjoys exploring the patina creation process and the possibilities it adds to his finished work. As part of his constant re-invention and expansion of design, he is experimenting with applying glass enamels to copper. New pieces for this show include a twisted and gnarled tree branch design of copper with enameled copper leaves.
Meet the artists of “Nature/Metal/Artistry” and enjoy Nature reflected in metal at the artists’ reception, Friday, August 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Amapola Gallery
Open 10 to 5 daily.
On the Plaza in Old Town.
205 Romero, NW.
(505)-242-4311
Amapola-gallery.com
