Hometown Artist’s Show Opens June 1 At CAG

DALTON, Ga., May 24, 2012 — “There’s nothing half so pleasant as coming home again,” according to poet and author Margaret Elizabeth Sangster. Dalton native and artist Del Martin agrees – she’s excited about returning to her hometown with an exhibit at the Creative Arts Guild opening June 1, 2012.

This is the fifth year that the CAG has featured the artist’s work as one of its First Friday Artist Reception events, which enables friends, fans and area art-lovers to visit with Martin, see her paintings and have a party all at the same time. The reception and exhibit opening takes place Friday, June 1, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Creative Arts Guild at 520 W. Waugh St.

“I had an amazing year of travel in 2011, which captured my imagination,” Martin says. “Come see paintings inspired by my travels to Bali, Italy, Scotland, Savannah, Lake Tahoe and the Blue Ridge Mountains.” She adds that she is thankful to return to Dalton at this time to help celebrate her “amazing recovery from a catastrophic injury” that sidelined her in December, making her all the more appreciative of life’s blessings.

FIVE DALTON STATE COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBERS TO SHOW AT GALLERY 111

Although Dalton State College does not currently have a fine arts program, it does not mean that DSC lacks talented artists. In order for the Dalton community to meet and see them in a different light, a showing of five Dalton State College faculty is planned for the Creative Arts Guild’s Gallery 111 First Friday event. The five faculty members include: Angela Dittmar, Kent Harrelson, Leslie Harrelson, Janice Bolding, and Marge Shirrilla.

Angela Dittmar teaches art appreciation for DSC and serves as Adjunct Professor of Drawing and Foundations at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Ms. Dittmar received her MFA in Studio Art: Painting at Hunter College, City at the University of New York where she graduated Cum Laude and her BFA in Painting and Drawing from UTC where she also graduated Cum Laude. Additionally she attended The Slade School of Fine Art at University College as a Study Exchange and The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad at King’s College – both located in London, England.

Dr. Kent Harrelson, an Associate Professor, teaches English and Humanities at Dalton State College. When asked how he became interested in art, he commented, “I’ve been painting since I was in college, when I took a course in applied art for non-art majors. I’ve worked with acrylics, pastels, and watercolors, but do most of my work in oils. I like painting local subjects, such as a building in Chattanooga or a street scene in Dalton.” He has exhibited paintings at Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga (2010, 2011).

Dr. Leslie Harrelson, also an English and Humanities teacher, shares in her husband’s love of the fine arts, but is more eclectic, focusing on a variety of mediums. She summed up her artistic endeavors in this way, “It is what I always wanted to do. I love stories, light, and the moments between people. I sketch,paint, and take photographs to capture--and share--those moments.  That martial arts inspires me is still a surprise.”

Janice Bolding has a bachelor’s degree in art from Mercer University, where she double-majored in English.  She has a master’s degree in English from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont University.  She is a Lecturer in the Humanities Division at DSC. Bolding has been drawing and painting since childhood, and in recent years has worked with fabric art, including quilted wall hangings.  Most of her work is created for family and friends and, in more recent years, for use in churches.

Marge Shirilla, Associate Professor, has been teaching in the School of Social Work at Dalton State College since 2005. During the summer of 2010, Marge took an introductory acrylic painting class at the Creative Arts Guild and was hooked. She has continued to take classes led by Bradley Wilson, Visual Arts Director at CAG.   Marge has developed an abstract style, using bold colors that evoke energy and emotion. Her work was exhibited in the juried show during Festival 2011.

First Friday is scheduled for March 2^nd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature Dalton State College Faculty alongside the Guild’s annual Student Arts Expo. First Fridays are free and open to the public. For additional information please contact the Guild at 706-278-0168.

Savannah College of Art - Mapping Next Steps

February 19 - April 29

The Artists of Cross Plains

May 6 - May 27

Recent Works by Del Martin

June 3 - June 24

TBD

July 1 - July 29

First Friday welcomes The Carpet Capital Camera Club in Gallery 111

During the month of January the Carpet Capital Camera Club will hold their annual member exhibition in Gallery 111. This exhibit features landscape, floral, architectural and other subjects photographed using a variety of processes throughout the year. This year's photographers include Mary Marler, Ron Arnold, susan Franklin, Lana Sweenie, George Spence, Gary Keeble, Robert Burns, Marilyn Helms, Charlotte Robinette and Aurelie Steve.

Pictured is "Garden Bouquet" by George Spence