"Fossil & Form" Art Opening on Sunday March 29 at Petroglyphe Gallery

Features Edward Lawrence Fosilart Jewelry & Mary Anderson Ceramics

Based on earth elements, "Fossil & Form" features the jewelry of Edward Lawrence, designed from rare artifacts with interesting fabrications. These unique compositions inspire conversation. This work couples beautifully with the functional ceramic sculpture of local artisan Mary Anderson, whose artistic hands work the potter’s wheel and beyond, to shape clay into fine art. This new exhibit opens at Petroglype Gallery in Mokelumne Hill on Sunday, March 29 from 3-5 pm. Complimentary light appetizers and wine will be served.

Edward Lawrence transforms Fossil Walrus Ivory from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Mammoth Ivory from the Yukon Territory, and other artifacts into something "one can relate to and wear....becoming a part of one's life". Edward has been a craftsman all his life. He started as a custom shoe maker in 1971 and his work included leather accessories and beadwork. In fact, many Sierra Foothill residents may still own a pair of Edward’s, gorgeous and comfortable moccasins or sandals.   Joining Edward in his endeavors is his wife, Diana who contributes jewelry designs and fabrications.

Necklace by Edward Lawrence

Mary Anderson sees her ceramic work as a meditation on the forms of nature.  Her fascination is with the vessel, which besides being useful and functional, is a platform for sculptural elements. Plant forms, the geometry and rhythm of leaves or seeds are interpreted as vases, pouring vessels and bowls.  Leaping fish, the fluid body of an octopus, and twisting lizards transform the pot, becoming its shaped neck or reaching handles.

She works in high fire stoneware and porcelain.  The pots are mostly wheel thrown, both for strength and for classical reference to traditional pottery.  They are fired in live flame, either in a gas kiln in her studio, or at Northern Arizona University in various wood firing kilns.  She seeks the resplendent greens of Japanese oribe or Chinese celadon glazes, which enhance her sea and plant work.  The lizards and snakes are saved for wood firing, developing flashing and ash effects.

She has pursued study at Cal State Los Angeles, Columbia College, and Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, as well as at numerous workshops in Northern California.

Master Watercolorist, Lynn Slade is the featured artist for March at Petroglyphe. For over 20 years, she owned the Alyson Design Group, a graphic design company specializing in corporate advertising, magazine and marketing. Lynn creates mixed media pieces incorporating watercolor, rice paper and other materials into fascinating collage.

Dragonfly Vase by Mary Anderson

Visit www.gallerypetroglyphe.com regularly for an updated Workshop Schedule, Art Openings and the Fine Art Concert Series dates. Four fabulous concerts—starting with Kim Angelis and Josef on April 19—are planned for Sunday afternoons featuring local wines and delicious appetizers. Be sure to dial in dinner at the Hotel Leger following the concerts. If you’re coming from out of town, the historic hotel is a great place to stay and dine. Conveniently located just across the street from the gallery, a visit to the hotel, recently featured on Hotel Impossible, will round out your Sierra Foothill adventure.

Petroglyphe offers fine art, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, art glass, cards, prints, Native American flutes and more. Signature gift wrapping is always free. The gallery is located at 8317 Main Street, Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245. Regular gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday 11:30 am – 5:30 pm and Sunday 11:30 – 4:00 pm. Visit us online at www.gallerypetroglyphe.com or give us a call at 209-286-1387.