Published: April 03, 2008 01:10 pm      

Form follows function

Pendleton exhibit features utilitarian artwork

ASHLAND — Form and function conspire for a novel exhibit at the Pendleton Art Center this month.

Opening tonight during First Friday activities is an exhibit of functional art created by various artists at the Pendleton.

Painter Melanie Osborne said it was her idea to ask artists to contribute pieces to this exhibit, which she hopes will be of interest to a large portion of the community.

“I used to do sutff like this and I just saw all the talent that was here and thought it would make a great show and interesting show to get people out and to kick off spring,” Osborne said. “We want deisgners to come in and consdier what we have here when they’re looking for artists to do projects.”

More than 15 artists will contribute to the exhibit, which will be unveiled at 6 p.m. Pieces will be for sale.

Osborne will have a bombay dresser and an older dresser in the exhibit.

Visitors also can expect to see:

‰Gourd birdhouses by Jesse Hurst

‰Bench with a designed leather seat by Harold Fairchild

‰Kitchen-themed paintings by Sylvia Jackson

‰Jewelry box by Jack Jackson

‰Set of four coordinating chairs painted by Katie Roberts, Debbie Perkins and Libby Varner. Perkins also will have painted ceramic tiles.

‰Stained glass table, a tile table and painted ceramic tiles by Nettie Lewis

‰Carved mantlepiece with a UK design by Ron Burgess

‰Two painted tables and hand-carved canes by Gary Preston

‰Decorative platters by B.J. Wilder

‰Silk pillows and a silk wall hanging by Cathy Vigor

‰Decoupage clock by J. Bird Cremeans

‰Pillows and lamps by Holly Tatterson

‰Buffet by Janice LeBrun

‰Table by Bill Wallace

‰End table by Cathy Lambeau

‰Embroidered jacket by Jo Anne Fairchild

Functional art is defined as functional objects, such as dishes and clothing, that are of a high artistic quality or craftmanship, or art with a utilitarian purpose.

Even without a specific exhibit encouraging functional art, the Pendleton has many artists who regularly create such pieces: there are potters, jewelry artists, those who make clothing with original designs, fabric artists and wood sculptors.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.