VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

McWhorter Gallery hosts Silkwood/McWhorter, a Joint Exhibit, Saturday, January 22nd, 2011, 7-9pm, at Winter Street Studios (upstairs gallery), 2101 Winter Street (77007).  Champagne and Fine Chocolates will be provided.

Well known mosaic artist  Chris Silkwood  and contemporary abstract artist Taft McWhorter team up for a joint exhibit featuring two very different methods and two very different styles. The artists will also debut two "never before seen" masterful collaborations.

Chris Silkwood is a dedicated and enthusiastic mosaic artist. She learned the art of mosaic approximately 12 years ago when living in Australia. Chris had the opportunity to study with the artists of ArtBusters, a renowned mosaic studio in Brisbane, Australia. After returning to the United States, she also took a summer course at the famed Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy.

Chris has blended her training and creative instincts to develop a style that is uniquely her own. She believes there are no boundaries with mosaic. The opportunity to work with such magnificent color in the glass she uses is incredibly fulfilling. Her works adorn private homes and businesses around the country. She believes that mosaic art will be an appreciated and enjoyed art form forever.

It has sustained itself for centuries in some of the most magnificent cathedrals throughout the world. The art of mosaic has an incredible history but will continue to be enjoyed in homes and gardens for centuries to come.

Mosaic art pieces can be purchased directly through Chris's Houston studio. Commissions are available. Current gallery locations include Winter Street Studio and Ariodante Gallery in New Orleans.

Taft McWhorter employs a plethora of colors and mediums while trying not to limit himself to any single style or form. Through a combination of variety, depth and the pursuit of experiential growth, each piece of art becomes unique in technique, style and emotion.

“My artwork is simply an extension of who I am. My abstract paintings represent whatever it is I am feeling at the time.”

One layer at a time, McWhorter allows each painting to simply “become”. His expressionistic works currently focus on the ethereal colors and forms of nature.

McWhorter studied under Salli Babbit at the Art League of Houston in 2006  and under John Palmer from 2007 to 2009.

www.SilkwoodMosaics.com
www.TaftMcWhorterArt.com

This exhibit will showcase the two artists' newest works, including two unique collaborations. This event is open to the general public.

Pictured above:  a work by Chris Silkwood.