AUBURN - Visitors who dropped by the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Wednesday were treated to a glass of wine, cheese and crackers - and the sight of babies falling, diving, floating and flying through space.
The graphite and charcoal drawings by Nancy Kramer, associate professor of art at Cayuga Community College, were part of a two-woman art exhibit sponsored by the Cayuga County Arts Council. Karen Thomas-Lillie, an area artist who works as a graphic designer at CCC, also exhibited. A closing reception for the show was held Wednesday afternoon.
The doll drawings "are symbolic of the innocent assumption that we are safe within the boundaries and institutions of the United States. This series of drawings are to be read as a narrative of escape from fear and grief and a transformation to hope and joy," Kramer wrote in her artist's statement.
"It's important that more people are aware of art and artists in the community," said Terry Cuddy, an artist and colleague of Kramer's.
Shows like the one at the chamber are an important way of connecting artists with the public.
"The chamber's willingness to have us here is a great opportunity for artists and the community," Kramer said. "Art in alternative spaces - businesses, industries, restaurants - give immediate access for a lot of people who may not go to a gallery."
Thomas-Lillie's aunt and uncle came from Camillus to see the show. The paintings brought back memories for John Thomas, who grew up on McDonald Road, the inspiration for a series of paintings by his niece.
The beauty of McDonald Road, which runs through Mentz and Montezuma, is not lost on Thomas-Lillie, who drives along the road to and from work. She now lives in the same house where her uncle grew up.
"The beauty and tranquillity in nature is my primary motivation for painting," Thomas-Lillie said in her artist's statement. "I concentrate my work on expanses, edges, distance, fields, drumlins, water, and sky. I prefer my exhibition to be unified with these elements and ever changing with the seasons and changing light. My attitude toward my work is one of respect and gratefulness in being able to recreate the beauty I see every day."
Staff writer Mary Bulkot can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or mary.bulkot@lee.net
The doll drawings "are symbolic of the innocent assumption that we are safe within the boundaries and institutions of the United States. This series of drawings are to be read as a narrative of escape from fear and grief and a transformation to hope and joy," Kramer wrote in her artist's statement.
"It's important that more people are aware of art and artists in the community," said Terry Cuddy, an artist and colleague of Kramer's.
Shows like the one at the chamber are an important way of connecting artists with the public.
"The chamber's willingness to have us here is a great opportunity for artists and the community," Kramer said. "Art in alternative spaces - businesses, industries, restaurants - give immediate access for a lot of people who may not go to a gallery."
Thomas-Lillie's aunt and uncle came from Camillus to see the show. The paintings brought back memories for John Thomas, who grew up on McDonald Road, the inspiration for a series of paintings by his niece.
The beauty of McDonald Road, which runs through Mentz and Montezuma, is not lost on Thomas-Lillie, who drives along the road to and from work. She now lives in the same house where her uncle grew up.
"The beauty and tranquillity in nature is my primary motivation for painting," Thomas-Lillie said in her artist's statement. "I concentrate my work on expanses, edges, distance, fields, drumlins, water, and sky. I prefer my exhibition to be unified with these elements and ever changing with the seasons and changing light. My attitude toward my work is one of respect and gratefulness in being able to recreate the beauty I see every day."
Staff writer Mary Bulkot can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or mary.bulkot@lee.net