Glass featured at first 'Art at the Mill' of new season

Historic Bear's Mill opens its 2014 season of “Art At the Mill” on Friday, March 28 with paintings by Greenville resident Michael Glass and blown glass by Dayton-based artist James Michael Kahle. “Art at the Mill” exhibits will continue through December; each show opens on the final Friday of the month 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. The “Glass and glass” exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, March 30.

“Michael Glass creates delightful works that explode with color; James Michael's stunning pieces will provide striking accompaniment to the paintings while standing out on their own merits,” stated Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear's Mill. “We invite everyone to discover the joyous work for themselves. Regardless of the weather, spring will be bright and beautiful here in the Mill Gallery,” she concluded.

Michael Glass studied at Columbus College of Art and Design from 1993-1997, an experience he found challenging but rewarding as he focused on visual communications. His impressionistic creations, accomplished in many late nights of painting, use an abstract pointillist approach to communicate with the viewer. “The driving force behind my art is exploration,” the Columbus native said. “The search for and discovery of narratives or stories defines my perspective on life; I'm forever in a state of learning and observing, for it is a role that well suits me,” he stated.

James Michael has been making his living as a glass blower for almost half a century; he offers classes at his studio and also operates a unique apprentice program that includes over-achievers and at-risk youth. “The objective is to help these young people mature into good citizens with a solid work ethic and the skills they need to make it in the real world,” James Michael explains. “We hope they gain an understanding of the importance of supporting the community that supports them, the ability to calmly think things through in the midst of chaos and stress, and the ability to discern what is important and what is not,” says the instructor/mentor.

“Art At the Mill” is 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.