Art at the Mill features diverse work of two college profs

Doug Fiely, Assistant Professor of Art at Defiance College and Brent Cole, who has held the lead faculty position for Ball State University's glass program since 2010, will display their work at historic Bear's Mill through November 24. This edition of “Art at the Mill” opens Friday, October 25 with a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and drinks from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. The artists will speak briefly about their creations, methods, and inspiration at 7 p.m. “Simply put, I am a huge fan of these artists and their work,” stated Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear's Mill. “Their depth and breadth of knowledge is evident in the vibrant and appealing art they produce,” Ms. Clark concluded.

The technique used for the vessels that Brent Cole will display utilizes “graal,” a process developed in Sweden around the turn of the century that involves blown glass that is cooled, then carved, sandblasted, and painted with glass enamel, then reheated, covered in several layers of clear glass, and blown into its final form. He says that his interest in the process began when as a student at the Cleveland Institute of Art, he created a graal depicting the green and rhythmic nature of rows of wheat in the spring. “I find myself back in the region that originally inspired this work, and continue to investigate the process by creating work about field rows, wooded lanes, mountains, and the ocean,” the artist said.

Doug Fiely, who grew up on Grand Lake in Celina, first entered the art world as a printmaker, and says that the foundation of this “common man's art” is communication; however, printmaking requires much physical effort to tell its story. “My style and approach to painting is not much different; I build a surface on heavy canvas, then I scratch and scrape and manipulate that surface,” Doug explains. He states that he always has a plan, but that plan is vague and sensory and allows the medium in which he is working to direct the result. The printmaker, potter, and painter will be retiring from teaching at Defiance College in December, but he firmly believes that the road to discovery goes on. “Sometimes I think I am just beginning,” Doug commented.

The work of Hoosier silversmiths Linda and Nathan Jones and innovative photographers Vicki Rulli and Tom Heaphy who print their work on wood remains on display at Bear's Mill through October 27. “Art At the Mill” has received funding from the Ami McClurkin Community Fund, held by the HOPE Foundation of Darke County, and is also supported by Darke County Endowment for the Arts. Art exhibits are on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Historic Bear's Mill is owned and operated by Friends of Bear's Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear's Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.