Feature Articles

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July Issue 2005

Gallery 9 near Banner Elk, NC, Features Works by Dina Lowery and Mia Katrin

Gallery 9 near Banner Elk in the High Country of North Carolina, will feature the acrylic and mixed media paintings of Dina Lowery complemented by the exquisite gold and precious gem necklaces of Mia Katrin. The show will open on July 9 and will run through Aug. 16, 2005.

When a painter and a jeweler share the same medium, all that glitters must be gold. Underneath the enchanting florals and contemporary landscapes of Dina Lowery's acrylic canvases, lie layers of gold. Gold leaf that is, and often silver as well. And for Mia Katrin, the more karats the better. Her love of diamonds, emeralds and rubies are sashayed with exuberance in the classy designs of her 18-22 karat gold necklaces and earrings.

Dina Lowery

Lowery's paintings have been described as sexy; a term that seems fitting for both style and content. Silver and gold shimmer from underneath undulating contours created by heavy gels and moulding paste. Textures create forms that gradually emerge into cohesive if not mysterious floral still lifes or contemporary natural landscapes. The surprise element occurs for Lowery as the gold, gel, and paste react to produce often unpredictable though magical results.

Lowery, who hails from humble yet visually rich beginnings in West Virginia, is now making a much anticipated career shift from interior designer to full time artist in the Charlotte, NC, area. Lowery was recently featured on the HGTV show Designer's Challenge.

Last summer Lowery was awarded the honor of an artist in residency at the McColl Center in Charlotte. Her work is constantly evolving and will include new works on paper.

Mia Katrin

Katrin, a High Country resident, has made a career out of the pursuit of beauty and serenity. With a PhD in aesthetics, Katrin taught philosophy before going off to teach transcendental meditation in India. During her stay in India, she made notable contacts with gem brokers from India, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Colombia and began her own brokerage business. It wasn't long before she was using her good connections to create her own sensational designs.

Katrin's pieces will include a Colombian emerald necklace with briolette gems cut specifically for the piece. Sapphires compliment aquamarine in 18-22 karat beadwork as do rubies and rubellite and diamonds and platinum. Each design is one of a kind.

For more info check our NC commercial listing, call the gallery at 828/963-6068 or at (www.gallery9.com).

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