Inspiring Motives

Jun 17, 2023 | Blog Posts, Exhibitions, Focus, News & Stories

Focus Gallery ExhibitionInspiring MotivesMay 26-August 21

Through August 21, the Southern Highland Craft Guild presents Inspiring Motives in the Folk Art Center’s Focus Gallery. This exhibition features the work of five Guild members: Mike Lalone, Asia Mathis, Cheryl Mackey Smith in clay, Joanna White in fiber, and Richard Flottemesch in wood. The Folk Art Center is open daily from 10am-5pm located at milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway. Admission is free.

Flowing Rivers

Along the River’s Edge by guild member Cheryl Mackey Smith. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Sampler: Conglomerations by guild member Cheryl Mackey Smith. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Folds: Nature’s Density by guild member Cheryl Mackey Smith. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Subaerial: Bankside

Falling Leaves by guild member Cheryl Mackey Smith. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Artifact by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Frayed Quilt by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Return by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Return by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Bloom by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Nourished by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Quieted by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Process by guild member Asia Mathis. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Large ash glazed vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with a seafoam and green drip ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Mini Vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with a turquoise with grey and tan ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Mini Vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with an ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Mini Vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with an ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Large ash glazed vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with a seafoam and green drip ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Medium Ash Glazed Vase with a mid-fired stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Small ash glazed vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with a nice yellow drip ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Blue Drip mug with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with an ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Michael uses only lead-free glazes that are food safe as well as microwave and dishwasher safe.

Mini Vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with a turquoise and tan drip ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Mini Vase with a mid-fired white stoneware body which is both functional and sculptural in form. The piece has been glazed with a grey and blue speckle ash glaze that leaves a nice flowing design in the finished work. Glazing inside and out allows for vases to hold fresh flowers as well as dried arrangements.

Sunset/Sunrise Shibori Tank Top by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Sedona Desert Kimono by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Sedona Desert Kimono by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Pink Desert Glow Ruffled Jacket by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Autumn in Sedona Kimono by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Sherbert Gelato Summer Tunic by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Hints of the Desert Flowing Vest by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Colors of Autumn Long Kimono by guild member Joanna White. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Enchantress by guild member Richard Flottemesch. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Grace by guild member Richard Flottemesch. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Connubial Bliss by guild member Richard Flottemesch. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Jeanne Maria by guild member Richard Flottemesch. On display at the Inspiring Motives Focus Gallery located at the Folk Art Center, NC.

Cheryl Mackey Smith

Clay, member since 2022

Her current body of hand-formed ceramics speaks directly to her love of the natural world. Each and every small piece of clay is handcrafted carefully to depict aspects of nature, whether real or abstracted. As she applies the fired ceramics to the archival backings, her knowledge of composition and feel for the random occurrences in nature develop into the finished framed fine art ceramic wall pieces.

Mike Lalone

Clay, member since 2009

Michael Lalone has been working in clay for over 20 years. He started by taking a teacher recertification class and hasn’t stopped yet! His strength is in the love of teaching and sharing what others have so freely given to him. Clay folks are among the most giving, genuine people he has met and for this reason he was immediately drawn to that type of personality. Being a teacher at the Boys & Girls Clubs at the age of fourteen, teaching at the public-school level for 31 years has allowed Mike to fulfill his dream of being a person who gives back to others.

Joanna White

Fiber, member since 2017

The practice of meditation is crucial to my artistic process because in the stillness and silence, I receive impressions of color and nature themes. Meditation directed me to explore many mediums: weaving, spinning, stained glass, beading/jewelry, watercolors, finally settling on fiber art. Fiber ran in my genes….my Dutch grandmother had her own millinery shop in Amsterdam and when she came to this country, she made her living sewing. Fiber led me to painting on silk. The spontaneity and easy manipulation of the dyes on silk was captivating and inspiring. The magic had begun!

Asia Mathis

Clay, member since 2021

The middle part of humans (the abdominal area) is our most vulnerable because there are no bones protecting it, yet it is incredibly important, housing our digestive and reproductive systems, as well as major muscle groups holding our bodies up. With this work, I am investigating this part of human fragility both physically and metaphorically. Our “middle” self; our core honest selves, both as individuals and as a culture, is also that which is most vulnerable, yet essential, allowing for truth-telling and deep connection.

Richard Flottemesch

Natural Materials, Wood, member since 2020

It is not a choice; he selects the wood or stone to carve by its feel, touch, and color. He then starts carving with no preconception about what the piece will be. He finds this approach allows tremendous freedom to create unique forms. Other times he will create a form to make a statement about what has happened or is happening in the world with the hope that it will move people to explore their own thoughts and feelings. His art is about the wonder and beauty of our humanity.