Gallery Needed As A.J. Ellsworth Exhibits

By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association

Exhibits at Lakeland Art Gallery will soon be non-existent unless new space is found for this organization.

Due to the landlord’s need to expand, LAA will need to move to new quarters. The members and board of the organization are diligently looking for a new place that can not only hold excellent exhibits, but allow the offering of educational training and workshops and student scholarships that have distinguished this group as a cultural enhancement to the community for well over 30 years. As a non-profit, the organization operates under a strict and small budget, thus the new location must be affordable.

If you are aware of a location centrally located in Kosciusko County that might be a good solution, contact me through this column or contact the gallery at (574) 594-9950. It is important to keep all these valuable cultural services available to the public. You can help.

Meantime, a new exhibit by A.J. Ellsworth is adorning the gallery walls through Nov. 1 when the Fall Member Show will be held. If you have ever admired printmaking and woodcut work this is an exhibit you will not want to miss.

Ellsworth has an extraordinary collection of very creative work on display. Incorporating her beloved black dogs in the title of her Black Dog Studio, the Huntington artist has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Indiana University where she was also a recipient of the Winger award. All of her work is excellent but being an art and animal lover myself, I most admired a piece that allows you to see each of her black dogs depending on the angle you stand from the work.

Another large piece about twelve feet in length is breathtaking. You are invited to a free program at 7 p.m. Oct. 26, at the Lakeland Art Gallery in which Ellsworth will discuss and possibly demonstrate her award-winning techniques. You will also have an opportunity to enjoy the exhibit and share refreshments with those attending.

According to Ellsworth, “My art focuses on self-reflection. The dramatic narratives I create help me make sense of the world and my place in it.” That place includes frequent reference to her dogs in a variety of methods and mediums.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• The John Streeter exhibit of his absorbing and amazing pastels opened at Warsaw City Hall Gallery on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. Visit 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Main Floor.
• Honeywell photography competition in Wabash opened Oct. 1
• A.J. Ellsworth exhibit is open at LAA through November 1st.
• Oc. 26, 7pm A.J. Ellsworth presents program on printmaking.
• Nov. 1 Fall Member Show entries. Contact LAA for information.

LAA is located at 107 N. First St., Pierceton, or visit www.lakelandartassociation.org or on Facebook. Individuals can also contact the author/artist at mcdar7@gmail.com.