November 2013

Woolworth Walk in Asheville, NC, Offers Works by Debbie Skelly and Karen Noel

Woolworth Walk in Asheville, NC, will present Debbie Skelly, Karen Noel, featuring gourds by Debbie Skelly and paintings by Karen Noel, on view from Nov. 1 - 27, 2013. A reception will be held on Nov. 1, from 5-7pm.

Debbie Skelly’s love for gourds started when she moved to Maggie Valley, NC, in 2005. She has always loved creating some form of art, mostly painting, but when she was introduced to gourds, that all changed.

Skelly saw her first gourd in a gallery in Boone, NC. From that day on, she knew that she wanted to work with gourds. Her gourd designs are influenced by nature, Native American and Southwest styles. Because she loves the “critters”, (as she call them), often Skelly incorporates butterflies, dragonflies and hummingbirds into her art.

In addition, Skelly uses dreamcatchers, bears, turtles, and kokopellis. She uses a variety of media such as leather dyes, inks, polishes, paint and clay. Carving and filigree work are used on many of her gourds. All natural embellishments and beads are often used as accents.

Karen Noel first developed a love of watercolor while studying illustration at The Maryland Institute of Art. This passion continued during the many years she taught at a community college in San Diego, CA. Creative expression has always been a joy and focus in her life. Noel’s current paintings are often a mix of several mediums - watercolor, colored pencil, collage and ink. This variety allows her the freedom to play with images and incorporate intricate patterns and elements into the work.

Many times, inspiration comes through a meditative connection with nature, and the paintings become a symbolic journal of Noel’s inner and outer experiences. Although she misses the Pacific Ocean, she is now captivated by the luminous Blue Ridge Mountains, and the colors of the seasons. Her challenge is not to produce a realistic representation, but to capture the magical spirit of the environment.

For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at 828/254-9234 or visit (www.woolworthwalk.com).

[ | November 2013 | Feature Articles | Download Carolina Arts' Current Issue | Carolina Arts Unleashed | Home | ]