“ART AT THE MILL” EXHIBITS PATTERNS FROM NATURE

Historic Bear's Mill's Clark Gallery will feature the unique work of glass artist Susan Cannon and sculptor and jewelry-maker Jennifer Engel-Conley in the upcoming “Art At the Mill” exhibit opening with a reception on Friday, July 8. Sweet and savory finger food provided by The Merchant House plus drinks will be offered from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.; the artists will speak about their work, methods, and inspirations at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibit, on display during Mill store hours, closes on Sunday, August 14.

According to Marti Goetz, Executive Director of Friends of Bear's Mill, this exhibit is particularly suited for display at the lovely site on the banks of Greenville Creek. “Susan Cannon's glass pieces are inspired by nature—mountains, trees, the ocean, while Jeni Engel-Conley's eclectic artistic background motivates her to create impeccably designed architecturally-inspired pieces that contrast beautifully with our rustic setting,” Ms. Goetz stated.

Former dancer Jennifer Engel-Conley earned a degree in architecture, a field which the Ohio native says bears many similarities to dance. “Both tap into the knowledge of how people move through space,” Engel-Conley explains. “In design classes, I always got high marks for how well the circulation worked in my buildings; that skill directly translated into creating “place-making” sculpture; each medium informs the next, making what I bring to my work pretty complex,” says the nationally acclaimed artist. Always allowing for new influences to keep her viewpoint fresh, Engel-Conley abides by classic principles of rhythm, proportion, contrast and balance in designing the jewelry and metal wall tiles that will be shown at Bear's Mill.

After years of professionally counseling clients to follow their dreams, Susan Cannon pursued her own path to become a creator of glass art. Not limiting herself to one style, she sometimes uses a single line to emphasize simplicity, and at other times creates dramatic complex designs in functional and decorative glass work, employing varying techniques to achieve her goals. “Her stunning, colorful work inspires a sense of joy in the viewer,” said Ms. Goetz. “These slumped and fused glass pieces will enhance any home, providing beauty and delight for years, to come,” she concluded.

Bear's Mill is open 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. Sundays. Historic Bear's Mill is owned and operated by Friends of Bear's Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear's Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.