Art produced by two unique couples on display at Bear’s Mill

Art at the Mill will feature the unique work of two creative couples during the month of October. The exhibit by Hoosier silversmiths Linda and Nathan Jones and innovative photographers Vicki Rulli and Tom Heaphy opens Friday, September 27, with a reception from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. The artists will speak briefly about their creations, methods, and inspiration at 7 p.m. The exhibit continues through October 20.

Linda and Nathan Jones make their home and maintain their fine craft studio on a small farm in Indiana. Dedicated to producing exquisite contemporary jewelry and metalwork, the couple works collaboratively and separately using sterling silver, copper, and local hardwoods to produce elegant art that is wearable and/or functional. “Linda and Nathan create dramatic, striking pieces that also emanate a sense of simplicity and earthiness,” said Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear's Mill.

Native Ohioans Vicki Rulli and Tom Heaphy moved to Springfield in 2006, believing that the city provided the working and living space they needed to inspire their creative endeavors. Their wood panel photographs consist of images taken by Vicki or Tom, then printed on wood selected for its grain and overall character and beauty. Images and individual pieces of wood are matched to complement the final work of art. “We desire to not only capture the physical beauty of a location, but also the emotion created within us by the experience,” Vicki Rulli stated. “We hope that our work reflects the true spirit of the scenes we photograph,” the artist concluded.

Coldwater native Jane Dippold's collage landscape paintings of Ohio farms and Cincinnatian Jay Harrison's lamps created out of vintage bottles, old faucet handles, and steel pipe are on display at Bear's Mill through September 22. “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. The art exhibit is on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Historic Bear's Mill is owned and operated by The 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.