By Staff
NILES – Color and Form, an exhibition of paintings by Heather VanDyke-Pletcher and sculpture by John E. VanDyke, will open Wednesday, Aug. 1 and run through Sept. 25 in the Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery at the Niles District Library.
Niles, in the evening light, is expressed in some of the work VanDyke-Pletcher will have on display.
"The old part of Niles is outstandingly beautiful to me, and I hope to eventually capture it in paintings, cards," and ornaments," Vandyke-Pletcher said. Most of her paintings are done in acrylic, latex and or oil. A new media attempt at what she calls "fiber/object" is expressed in a piece entitled Use It Up, an environmental recycling theme from the old saying "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." VanDyke-Pletcher's style can vary from detailed and realistic to folk art, or contemporary and dreamlike.
The wood sculptures of John VanDyke are usually contemporary forms that flow together in perfect harmony. The beauty of the wood and the dark and light tones play against one another, creating light and shadows in a relief-like feeling, as opposed to a three dimensional affect.
"As a woodworker and an artist, I think wood sculpture is the perfect medium to be in both worlds at the same time. I like to start with an idea, a jumping off point, and then see how it can be developed. Ideas come from different sources," he said.
When viewing the exhibition the viewer may sense a feeling of connection and movement that is akin to both brother and sister.
Both artists are lifelong residents of Niles.
The Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery is located in the library's rotunda. Exhibitions can be viewed during regular library hours, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.