Oasis Gallery Presents...

Painting on Luminous Canvas: Glass

Featured Artist: Hot Springs artist Carmen Shenk-Mullett

A multi talented master of color in a variety of mediums, Shenk-Mullett currently specializes in art glass. She scours shops for interesting glass shapes which become in her skilled hands, dazzling cheese servers, wine glasses, decanters, cake plates, chip and dip sets, vases, floating candle bowls and more.
      (Click on photos at left for enlargements!)

Shenk-Mullett's pieces have a charming flower or garden motif, but it is their colors that draw the eye. She describes painting on glass as painting on a luminous canvas.

Shenk-Mullett paints with brushes, sponges, Q-tips, "anything that works." The glass is finished with French glazes that are dishwasher safe after firing. She prefers the French glazes because of their intense colors. (Like this Decanter from her "Vineyard Collection") Many of the pieces are layered or over painted to achieve the desired effect.

Carmen Shenk-Mullett

Shenk-Mullett is a graduate of EMU and Goshen College, where she studied to be a social worker, but could not escape her artistic calling. She grew up in Harrisonburg, working in her parent's shop, "Confectionately Yours". She learned cake decorating and flower arranging; in college she studied painting, watercolor and pencil drawing. After what she calls "a lot of dinky jobs", a Hot Springs gallery convinced her that art is her true profession.

Moving from medium to medium

watercolor and colored pencil When she has exhausted "the thrill of discovery", in her words, she tries something new. That variety is reflected in the works on display at OASIS, like this Watercolor with colored pencil painting called "Bloodroot." pen and ink drawings, photography, textiles, and collages with latex glazes and found objects.

The gallery opening on April 2, 2004 included new works by all OASIS members. Mel Lee, host of The Songbag on WEMC 91.7fm, entertained with traditional tunes on guitar and bouzouki. Shenk-Mullett spoke briefly on the topic "Faith and Art" and then answered questions about her work.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours are Monday, Thursday to Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5. Contact (540) 442-8188 for more information.

OASIS Gallery

103 S. Main Street (at the corner of Water and Main St)
Harrisonburg VA 22801
540-442-8188
www.shencouncilarts.org Rockingham County

Thanks for reading,
      Betty Kline

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