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Decoys and
photos on display at Bear’s Mill
During the month of August, “Art At the Mill” will feature Laurel
Dabbs' finely hand-crafted duck decoys, songbirds and shorebirds, and
photographs by Paula Willmot Kraus, an artist and educator who began
her career in photojournalism over 30 years ago before moving into fine
art photography. The exhibit at historic Bear's Mill opens Friday, July
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 work, methods,
and inspiration at 7 p.m. The art will remain on display through
Sunday, August 24.
Since 1988, Laurel Dabbs has been using antique hand-tools and Atlantic
white cedar to make life size carvings ranging in size from tiny
chickadees to great blue herons. The tradition and history of her work
are as important as the style and form of her carvings, as each decoy
must be seaworthy and durable as well as beautiful. One of the few
nationally known female decoy carvers, the Medina County resident says
that the physical and emotional lure of the sea drew her to participate
in the only originally American folk art. “To be able to capture the
personality and attitude, grace and simple beauty of a certain species
is both a challenge and an awakening,” she stated. “They take on a life
of their own, sometimes surprising, and often unexpected,” the artist
explained.
Paula Willmot Kraus, currently an adjunct professor of photography at
Wright State University and Stivers School for the Arts, seeks to tell
visual stories in her work. “My images suggest the ability to transcend
the static nature of a singular moment and present the energy that lies
within,” said the Antioch University graduate. She says that she
approaches images much as a painter might, but with the subtraction of
brush strokes, looking to express the invisible vitality found within
her subjects. According to Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery
coordinator for Bear's Mill, Ms. Kraus often uses nature and natural
forms to explore memory, emotions, and aesthetics, making her work a
natural for display at Bear's Mill. “Paula's images as well as Laurel's
carvings will enhance and complement our rustic gallery space; we are
eagerly anticipating sharing this unique work with our friends and
neighbors,” Ms. Clark said.
Remaining on display at Bear's Mill through Sunday, July 20 are the
distinctive prints created by artist Bobby Rosenstock and Mike
Knisely's charming, playable cigar box guitars. “Art At the Mill”
receives financial support from 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.
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