Janet Piccola and Jane Smith

Theme: Earth Art- Celebrating Nature’s Beauty Through Creative Expression

Janet Piccola and Jane Smith, artists at Blue Whole Gallery, come together in February with a show titled Earth Art. Janet’s art medium is clay, Jane’s is gourd.Janet started her adventures with clay 15 years ago. The very idea of the clay being “mud” contributed to the instant connection to the art form and the freedom to be creative and daring. The stages of clay going from “mud” to pottery, the tactile and emotional experience of centering the clay on the wheel, the chemistry of using earth elements to make the glazes, and the science of firing are just a small part of her love for ceramics. “I enjoy throwing on the wheel and building pieces by hand,” comments Piccola. “I love making functional art, whimsical art and, really, art just for the sake of being art!”

Jane, who uses gourds as her canvas, starts at the beginning with growing, harvesting, drying and preparing her gourds. During the 60-day process, she begins to see and feel what the gourd should become. She uses a wide variety of techniques and embellishments in her designs, and the trinkets she uses to enhance her work come from her lifetime of collecting. “My art is my therapy,” states Smith. “It brings ever-present joy, connecting me to my past for inspiration, focuses on my present to create, and looks to the future when it becomes a treasure for someone else.”
Join Blue Whole Gallery in February for Earth Art. After all, take the art out of Earth and all that left is…EH! Both Artists will be present at the gallery February 7th from 5 to 8pm.

Our Changing Exhibitions

Art galleries serve as creative hubs where artists can showcase their work and art enthusiasts can appreciate the diversity of artistic expressions. While every piece of art deserves attention, our gallery, like many others, has adopted a special practice known as our Featured Artist of the Month. This spotlight not only provides recognition for the artist but also enriches the gallery’s offerings and the overall experience for visitors. Our changing exhibitions also include area students, educators and group shows that periodically benefit community non-profit organizations.

The practice of featuring an artist each month at an art gallery is a win-win for artists, galleries, and visitors. It helps promote diversity, fosters new talent, engages the community, and keeps the gallery experience fresh and exciting. For artists, being featured is an opportunity to gain exposure and validation while connecting with a wider audience. For visitors, it offers a constantly evolving and enriching art experience. The spotlight truly shines bright on both the artists and the galleries when this tradition is embraced.