Shopping Bag
The Villager is currently hosting its second annual art show, “Through the Looking Glass.” The theme gives villager artists and new artists the opportunity to remove preconceived expectations and allow others to see their work in a different way.
The juried art show includes pieces from categories such as fashion jewelry, metal, fine art jewelry, glass, wood, ceramics and fiber art. Local and national artists were able to submit up to three pieces. The winner of each category is selected through an online or in-store ballot and will be awarded a prize of $125 with an overall show winner receiving $750.
“It is so hard to choose a winner,” explained store-owner Ingrid Brown. “The pieces last year were just unbelievable.” Brown began hosting the show in 2008. After the success in the previous year, The Villager’s art show will become an annual event each fall and Brown hopes to add a spring show to highlight paintings, prints and photography.
“In a typical art show, one artist is featured with a large body of his works,” said Brown. “With this show, many artists are featured and their best three items are shown. This exhibit is not only for one night, but for six weeks and all of the pieces are for sale.”
During this event, only one of each piece will be available for sale and each is a statement piece unlike the artists’ typical body of work. These pieces are one of a kind and will not be available for sale after the conclusion of the show.
Laura Lambert, a local artist and Auburn University student, decided to submit three distinctive jewelry pieces to the show this year. “With the encouragement of friends and family, I decided to enter the show,” explained Lambert. “I believe it is a good opportunity for me to get my stuff out there for others to see and enjoy.”
Jeffrey Manpearl, a California artist featured at the Villager, submitted three torch-cut steel with fused glass pieces that come to life in the light. “You are looking at my love, my joy and passion in these three pieces,” said Manpearl. “I love being able to stand back and look at my work and ask myself, do I really have to sell this piece?”
Other featured artists submitting locally and nationally include: Atlanta, Ga. resident, Anna Balkan; Holland, Ohio resident, Larry Mack; Valley, Ala. resident Keith Moore; Birmingham, Ala. resident, Ashley Bryan; Auburn, Ala. resident Woody Hodges; Tallassee, Ala. resident Charles Carrington and many more.
For additional information about the Through the Looking Glass Juried Art Show of American Craft on display now through Nov. 14, please visit The Villager’s website at www.shopvillager.com. You can also view our newest gift items from the gallery. Visit us online at www.shopvillager.com or call us at (334) 821-8174.
