All those early birds trying to find mom the perfect gift can stop in at the Shippensburg Arts Programming & Education (SHAPE) gallery for the “Give a Gift of Art” exhibit now through Dec. 16.
On Friday, Shippensburg community members gathered for the opening reception of SHAPE’s final exhibit of the year.
Amidst the soft sounds of Christmas music and glimmering candles, artists and eager spectators mingled throughout the SHAPE gallery admiring the work and ringing in the holiday season. A wide range of creations stood proud throughout the gallery. There was everything from handmade earrings to cobweb-felted scarves.
Jim Mackey participates in various SHAPE events since he is a member of the SHAPE gallery. Mackey created a piece titled “The Attractor,” whose stars represent how the cosmos are causing the galaxies to be pulled to one spot. He said he finds astronomy exciting and wanted to represent it in his art somehow.
Photographer Chelsea Blaine participated in the “Give a Gift of Art” exhibit for the first time. Blaine is a Temple University graduate with an art direction degree. Just recently, she started selling her artwork on Etsy and participated in local art shows. Most of her photographs are taken in cities like New Orleans, New York and Charleston. On display in SHAPE is one titled “On the Docks” and shows boats all lined up in a neat row.
Magdalen Vloutely submitted two oil paintings and two pastel paintings for the exhibit. Her first was a piece titled “Manifestation of Flowers.”
“I love doing flowers. I wanted to do something different. I just said, ‘I’m going to create,’” Vloutely said.
During a visit to Hilton Head, South Carolina, Vloutely created “7 Trees,” her interpretation of the beach. In addition, she painted “Mystique,” a mysterious picture of a girl with staring eyes, and another flower portrait named “Intermingled.”
Years ago, Vloutely studied art in a New York gallery. Although she recently battled health problems, she is regaining her talent.
For a lot of the art enthusiasts, this was their first time visiting SHAPE gallery in its new location or in its entirety. Margery Benson was overall impressed with her experience and complimented the SHAPE gallery layout. She liked how the room was open and allowed space to breathe. In addition, Benson felt the art selection was effective.
“There’s an assortment of arts. It’s not just limited to 2D arts but has some pieces that people can actually touch and hold in their hands,” Benson said.
People came and went as they pleased and socialized with those around them.
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