ART_GiRL

Check out my opening on November 16th!!!! See the press release below.

Local Stoneware Artist Opens Next Exhibit in Seiberling Gallery

Peninsula- Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association is pleased to announce the opening of the exhibit Silent Fragments which will display works of local clay artist Gina DeSantis. The artist’s reception on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 will be held from 5:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. The show is currently open for viewing and will run through December 3, 2010 at the Seiberling Gallery located in the administrative offices at 1403 W. Hines Hill Road Peninsula, OH. Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekends upon request.

Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Gina DeSantis grew up taking over her parents’ kitchen table and using it as her first studio. After earning her B.A. from Cleveland State and a M.F.A. in ceramics from Kent State University she moved into her studio at the Lake Erie Building and for the past six years she has taught courses out of her studio as well as at Art House and the Orange Art Center.

With over a decade of stoneware and porcelain clay making experience she has created functional vessels and wareables, a line of jewelry. Her work continues to revolve around the parallel of making objects and the ritual of their use. It is clear that the interaction between objects and their environment plays a central theme in her body of work. Gina’s work seeks to balance beauty and function with rich texture accompanied by monochromatic color selections. The latest series of work incorporates the cherry blossom motif into her functional vessels and wall tiles.

“The present fast-paced world dominated by technology and instantaneous results has led me to appreciate the meticulous process of craft over the past decade. We weave pottery into our daily habits and routines. I strive for simplicity while making beautiful objects for the home.”

“Things that may be considered less traditional for a potter inspire me: Fashion, home décor trends, the environment and landscape of living in a city such as Cleveland. The cherry blossom motif traditionally represents springtime, mortality and the fleeting nature of life. With the quickly changing seasons of this city I find them to be an ideal motif.”

“The wall tiles, inspired by African textiles and pottery shards, have been a work in progress for over a year. They are decorated with a combination of handmade stamps and textile stamps with no two ever being identical. “

Gina DeSantis will have her work on display and for sale at Park Place in Peninsula. Park Place in Peninsula is located at 1593 Main Street in Peninsula next to the Winking Lizard. For store hours visit www.cvnpa.org

CVNPA is a nonprofit organization created to engage public support for the park and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. For more information about CVNPA and its programs, visit www.cvnpa.org or call (330) 657-2909.