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January Issue
2011
Providence Gallery in Charlotte, NC,
Adds a Few New Artists to Annual Square Works Exhibition
Response to the 6th Annual Holiday
Square Works Invitational Exhibition introduced by Providence
Gallery, in Charlotte, NC, held in December was so overwhelming;
the gallery has included more artists and added additional original
artworks. The expanded exhibit will be on display from Jan. 1
- 30, 2011. Two contemporary artists now being featured include
Portia York and Natalie Bork.
Fiber and mixed media artist Portia York explains her affinity
for soft textured materials such as, yarn, thread, lace and fabric
of all kinds defining their symbolism in her art as representative
of, "positive energy, freedom and peace during the creative
process." Brooches, buttons and beads are other signature
elements commonly found in her wall art.
Many of York's artworks convey a specific social message. Her
recent projects entail creating works that are thought provoking,
with the end goal being to galvanize people to think and act in
ways that promote self and social awareness, action and change.
In the featured piece, The Color Line, York has crocheted
segments of yarn in several varying shades from cream to dark
brown to symbolize the range of human skin tones. A note from
the artist hangs with the piece, questioning the viewer: "Is
skin color still an issue in this country or has the controversy
subsided? Is it still considered 'better' to be lighter than a
brown paper bag? Is there still contention amongst African-Americans
of varying shades and skin tones? What about African-Americans
vs. other people of color - of varying skin tones? What about
Caucasians vs. African-Americans, or Caucasians vs. any person
of color from varying ethnicities and nationalities? How does
this divide help solve poverty in the world, HIV/AIDS, homelessness,
domestic violence, cancer, etc.?"
The work of abstractionist painter Natalie Bork is also featured.
Her focus on process and technique allows the inherit qualities
of her chosen media to come through in her colorful, highly texturized
compositions. Bork studied art at Buffalo State College in New
York, and then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education
at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She has continued her
studies at Winthrop, recently receiving her Master of Fine Arts
with a concentration in painting.
In addition to her studio work, Bork teaches fine arts at the
prestigious Charlotte Country Day School. Her distinct artistic
style has earned recognition for her artwork in galleries and
among private collectors in her native Buffalo, NY, and in cities
throughout the southeast including Charlotte, Savannah and Atlanta.
For further info check our NC Commercial Gallery listings,
call 704/333-4535 or visit (www.providencegallery.net).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2011 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2011 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.