June 22 – July 27, 2024
Toe River Arts, Spruce Pine Kokol Gallery
Toe River Arts is hosting a new exhibition titled John Hartom and Jenny Lou Sherburne: Syncopate Harmony. It will open on June 22 and run through July 27, 2024 in Toe River Arts Spruce Pine Kokol Gallery. This is an exhibition of two area artists, working in different mediums, using both color and pattern in an assertive and dramatic manner. Their objects work together in a clear and powerful way.
John Hartom is a Burnsville resident who has an MFA degree in Art Education from Eastern Michigan University. He worked as an art educator in Michigan from 1970 to 1999. He was the curator for the Design Gallery in Burnsville from 2008-2016. He John has been involved in the AMY Wellness Foundation, The Empty Bowl Project and many other nonprofit organizations.
Jenny Lou Sherburne is a resident of Bakersville and has an MFA degree in ceramics from Louisiana State University. She was a founding member of MICA Cooperative Gallery in Bakersville and has been a studio potter since 1988. She has taught many classes and workshops around the county, is represented by many galleries, and has participated in numerous exhibitions. These are two very accomplished artists and Toe River Arts is proud to showcase them to begin our summer season.
Hartom’s work consists of original paintings and monoprints on paper. With an emphasis on color and pattern, t his process utilizes paint, ink, pastels, pencil, and oil-based crayons. His work includes blank journals, panel-mounted paintings (often multiple pieces arranged in a group), and individual framed pieces. Sherburne is an artist striving to imbue her life and her work with a sense of growth, energy, and joy. Her ceramic objects, both functional and nonfunctional, utilize color in a dynamic and stunning way as every surface is lavished with color and pattern. From the smallest bowl to the largest sculpture, each object is a delight to behold with its bold exuberance of color and richness.
The exhibition includes the work of each artist displayed as in a one-person show with plenty of space around individual pieces. In some cases, each artist creates a cluster of similar objects adding sculptural interest. At other times, the work of both will be installed together to take visual advantage of the connection of color and pattern. Each piece in this exhibition demonstrates a sophistication gained only with many years of concentrated effort.
Toe River Arts is located at 69 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine. Gallery and Gift Shop hours are 10:30am – 5pm. For more information visit our web site toeriverarts.org, email info@toeriverarts.org or call 828-765-0520.
Candlesticks by Jenny Lou Sherburne and Painting by John Hartom
Darted Vase by Jenny Lou Sherburne
Hartom2 72 by John Hartom
Hartom4 72 by John Hartom
