PUTNEY-"Metalsum: Art Inspired by Nature and Imagined Through Found Objects" by Jane Kolias is now on exhibit at the Putney Public Library through Feb. 28.
Kolias creates rustic metal art from found objects. Her previous work in metalsmithing includes jewelry fabrication and welding. Her finished wall pieces involve many elements intricately combined. They take on "a spirited playfulness" say organizers - cutlery is welded to form palm fronds, a sunflower form is created from screwdrivers welded to an iron agricultural piece, a wire whisk becomes a dragonfly.
On the wall tags displaying the titles of her works, Kolias includes environmental "fun facts" that reference her pieces.
"My inspiration comes from nature, the creativity of fellow artists, and the found objects themselves," said Kolias in a news release. "I begin each project with a design in mind. As I consider which bits of scrap metal to use, the process becomes fluid and dynamic, creating a synergistic partnership between myself and the various components."
Kolias, a native of New Hampshire who now resides in Putney, has had a lifelong association with the arts. She has been active in the performing arts, including community theater, cabaret performance, and regional dance competition.
As an interior decorator and textile artist, she has created home décor and designed costumes for such diverse dance genres as ballroom, ballet, and burlesque. She has dabbled in landscape art including hardscaping and rock garden design. Kolias is currently the Artist in Residence at the Claremont MakerSpace.
The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours - Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during special events.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.