Michaela Harlow Artist Opening Reception

MICHAELA HARLOW: “A MIND OF WINTER” PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS AND MIXED-MEDIA COLLAGE Artist reception free and open to the public, Sunday, November 17, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm in the Gallery. Light refreshments will be provided. Presented by The Gallery at Next Stage November 14, 2019 through February 11, 2020 SHOW HOURS Saturdays 10:00 am–1:00 pm 30 minutes before all Next Stage events. The Gallery at Next Stage presents A Mind of Winter by Michaela Harlow, November 14th through February 11, 2020. The Gallery is open for viewing 30 minutes before each Next Stage event, as well as Saturdays from 10:00 am–1:00 pm, and by appointment with the artist. Artist Statement: Earlier this year, a writer friend reminded me of a favorite old poem: Wallace Stevens’ “The Snow Man”. I recall the first time I read the line “a mind of winter”’ nodding in agreement as I pictured shadow-blue branches dancing across the snow on a brisk January day. New Englanders love to complain about the weather — winter temperatures and precipitation in particular — and I’m no exception. But have you snowshoed through an abandoned orchard in a late December snowstorm? The truth is, winter is my secret love. I’m fond of frozen pools, filled with wind-strewn leaves and sediment. I like the crud patterns on dirty, winter cars and frozen cobwebs lacing barn windows. Yes, it’s cold, but how easy it is to forget when you’re focused on green ice dotted by frost flowers and glossy, black seedpods. Collected here are pieces inspired by our shortest days. Drawing into painting. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with scavenged bits of aluminum, incorporating them into collage with tiny, stainless steel nails. I enjoy how my scribbled lines slip across the shimmering surface. About the Artist: Michaela has exhibited her paintings and drawings in galleries and juried shows throughout the United States for twenty five years. Her work has been featured and reviewed in various publications —including Vermont Arts and Living, Santa Fean Magazine and Pasatiempo— and is included in public, corporate and private collections in North America and Europe. More information about the artist and her process may be found at michaelaharlow.com