The bi-annual ‘clean sweep’ of the entire gallery ushers in “fresh stART” for May at In-Town Gallery. All new work from 33 regional studio artists will fill the space for a presentation of their latest creations.  

The front wall will introduce more than 10 different mediums which represent their versatility. These artist members are hosting a reception to celebrate their fresh start, from 5-8 p.m. on the first Friday, May 3, in the gallery.

Here is a review of the artists:

Earliest gallery member, Jane Yelliott, has produced her newest editions of the popular koi pond framed 12” glazed tiles, among other pieces. Versatile painter Ellen Franklin was inspired to express her interpretation of the season with a four-foot high pattern of trees and roots. A member for five years, she uses oils, watercolor, acrylics, encaustic and even coffee for her images. 

Among the 16 painters, all media are represented. Bradley Wilson’s whimsical animal and bird figures painted on wood are only one aspect of his many talents. Doug McCoy is noted for his intricate pen and ink drawings which earned him a place in the 2013 AVA 4 Bridges Arts Festival. Oil painter Chuck Frye also received that distinction, winning acceptance for his realistic renderings of local and historic scenes. Gay Arthur continues to preserve Chattanooga structures on canvas, showing derelict factories in a new light. Plein-air painters Marie Miller, Victoria Pearmain, and Janis Wilkey capture the local scenes. Lori Ryan and Maddin Corey are oil painters with many interests.

Watercolorists John McLean, Jennie Kirkpatrick, and Helen Burton cover seascapes, landscapes, florals, still life, figures and abstracts, as do acrylic specialists Helen Brooks, Leslie Dulin, and Coyee Langston. Intaglio etchings by Linda Thomas are whimsical interpretations of her favorite animals. In addition to framed works on the walls, several ‘browse bins’ contain smaller matted original art pieces.

Potters Ted Reeder, Sheila Fulghum, and Roger Harvey offer innovation in the shapes and sizes of their clay works, which have food-safe glazes for serving, and a broad palette for decorative purposes. They range from small figures to large lamps and pedestals. Among the 3-D works are turned-wood pieces by Jim Roche - bowls, vases, candlesticks and fountain pens, formed from native and exotic woods. Julie Clark is an unexpected source of forged steel sculptures, from three-foot tall lilies to plant stands, wall plaques, candlesticks and bookends. 

A clear view of artistic elements is the forte of Carolyn Insler when she assembles myriad pieces of stained glass to form leaded window panels, decorative figures, boxes and nightlights. Mary Beth McClure treats glass in a unique manner with platters, bowls, vases and panels of layered pieces styled with various elements and fused in her kiln.          

Tables and benches made from planks of native hardwoods with a natural edge distinguish the work of Doug Barker, whose “CoolTimbers” studio is where he builds precise cabinets with traditional dove-tailed drawers, and mirror frames with a contemporary flair. Asian and Shaker influences are evident in his work. 

An ingredient of In-Town Gallery is the free-standing showcases that display the craftsmanship of five jewelers who each have individual methods for producing their personal designs. Eleanor Goodson has built a 24-year gallery ‘residency’ on her specialty of pearl and bead necklaces, silver link bracelets and gold rings, among many other custom pieces. Mary Beth McClure has added fused glass earrings and pendants to her line of glass works. Marian Kern is renowned for woven bead necklaces and bracelets, enhanced with antique pendants and precious jewels. Relative newcomers to the gallery are Barbara Murnan, copper wire ‘collars’, stone pendants and earrings that make a bold statement; and Laura Brock, linked flat silver panels, among other geometric forms, for tailored adornment.

Photography is represented by Virginia Webb, a 13-year gallery member, with black and white images of local landmarks, colorful western scenes, and atmospheric images; and one-year member Spears McAllester, who favors snowy trees and mountain vistas, most recently capturing the famous peaks of Nepal. 

From hand-dyed silk scarves to intricately pieced or stitched fabric ‘paintings’, nine-year member Linda White creates her art with cloth in many forms, textures and colors.

In-Town Gallery, founded in 1974, is one of the oldest cooperative galleries in the nation. It presents the original work of more than 30 regional studio artists. Located at 26A Frazier Ave. between the Market Street and Walnut Street bridges, it is adjacent to Coolidge Park on the North Shore of the Tennessee River. The gallery is open every day year-round except major holidays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, and until 8 p.m. on First Fridays. For more information, call 267-9214, or visit www.intowngallery.com or www.facebook.com/intowngallery.