Athens Arts will welcome back to the Fishero Gallery a group of artists affiliated with Abilities Services Inc. of Crawfordsville.
Beginning Friday and continuing through August, the imaginative and varied work of ASI consumers will be on display and for sale at the local gallery, 113 N. Washington St. An artist reception is planned 6-8p.m. Friday. The public is invited. Monte Keller will perform and refreshments will be provided by the Art League of Montgomery County.
Artist Christine “Christi” Swanson, who teaches and helps coordinate the ASI artists, said there will be more than 100 objects on display and for sale. In recent months the wonderful and flamboyant public art of the ASI consumer artists, especially their wonderful tree wraps, have helped lift the spirits of our community during the pandemic.
Swanson said the ASI artists have been using their multitude of creative talents to put together a variety of media for the upcoming show at the gallery. Among the larger pieces are an eight-foot tall statue of Uncle Sam, a six-foot tall Statue of Liberty and a handmade American flag. These are made from paper mache and are outdoor-proof. These pieces would make a perfect addition to any patriotically themed outdoor decor area.
The artists working together and using their color-synching skills created a three-foot square floral photo backdrop made from more than 1,000 coffee filters. This attractive piece and others like it (you can order on demand) would make a great addition to a wedding reception space, class reunion or other special event. Purchasers may order colors of their own choice.
In April the ASI artists started creating their own ceramic pieces from donated molds. This new work includes Christmas trees, nativity sets, ornaments, kitchen magnets and flower pots. All of this ceramic work will debut at the show. Other items that have been diligently created over the last several months include the popular holiday card packs and magnets along with some floral- and animal-themed paintings.
“Our artists are very excited to be able to share their new work with the community,” Swanson said.
Order forms will be available for those wanting to purchase custom-colored photo backdrops, bulk Christmas ornament packages, ceramic Christmas trees and holiday card packs.
All funds from items purchased and/or ordered go directly back into the program and to the artists who created it, Swanson added.
“When cities are studied and evaluated for vibrancy, it is most often the communities that have a lively arts presence that are the most vital,” she said. “This partnership between two Montgomery County non-profits speaks very well about how our community is surviving and thriving.”
