The Pittsboro Gallery of Arts is pleased to present the works of Ceramics Artist, Coy Quakenbush, and Mixed Media Artist, Randi Markowitz, in a Featured Artist Show that will be on display from Tuesday, October 6th until Sunday, November 1st. There will be a reception on Friday, October 16th from 5:00-8:00 pm, which will coincide with the gallery’s 6th Anniversary Makers Celebration.
Coy Quakenbush has long been inspired by the colorful, hand-coiled, hand-painted pottery of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, as well as the sophisticated, black and red clay pieces from Oaxaca (pronounced “wah-hoc-ah”), Mexico. He is a ceramicist who is fascinated and encouraged by the works of both ancient and contemporary artists, always open to learning new techniques and experimenting with new aesthetic and engineering challenges. Quakenbush writes, “You must be willing to listen and learn from others—there will always be people who know more than you do, no matter how skilled you become…keeping an open mind allows you to absorb new techniques and ideas, which is vital for your progression as an artist.”
In this exhibition, Quakenbush will be exhibiting sculpture and pottery reminiscent of pre-Columbian South American works, as well as introducing his version of ancient “Whistling Pots.” During the reception on October 16th, he will be demonstrating the way in which these pots whistle, and will be available to speak with visitors in the gallery. He will also be showing his raku pieces, and plans to introduce some exciting new glaze colors.
Randi Markowitz is a mixed-media artist whose dynamic, colorful works incorporate layers of acrylic paint, collage, stencils, and hand-drawn elements. With an extensive background in design, Markowitz has worked as a photographer, graphic designer, website designer, and assistant art director for television, as well as creating her own original art works.
Markowitz, one of the gallery’s newest members, hopes that her work can inspire joy, resilience, and curiosity while reminding viewers that beauty and hope can often be found within life’s many layers; there are often encouraging words or phrases worked into her pieces, sometimes still legible, sometimes covered by more layers of material. She writes, “I am drawn to bright, vibrant colors, using expressive line work to create movement, energy, and a sense of joy throughout my paintings. As a breast cancer survivor, I often incorporate butterflies into my work as a symbol of resilience and transformation.”
Please join us as we celebrate and honor the works of these incredible artists.
The Pittsboro Gallery of Arts is an artist-owned cooperative Fine Art and Craft Gallery located a few steps north of the Chatham County Courthouse circle. Artist works include a variety of media: oil, acrylics, watercolor, high-voltage woodburning, wooden mobiles, pastel, pen and ink, photography, fused glass, ceramics, jewelry, basketry, painted gourd vessels, and sculptural works in clay and wood.
The Pittsboro Gallery of Arts
44-A Hillsboro Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
https://www.pittsboroarts.org
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:30am-5:30pm, Sunday: noon-4pm, Closed Mondays
Third Friday: additional hours of 5pm-8pm