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Brian Sostrom’s Sailor Delight, Acrylic on panel. Photo submitted.
Asheville – In the heart of downtown Asheville, Momentum Gallery is gearing up to showcase an array of captivating solo exhibitions, set to premiere with a grand reception on Thursday, May 9th, from 5-8 pm. The gallery is thrilled to present the visionary works of three incredibly talented artists: Heather Hietala, Samantha Keely Smith, and Brian Sostrom. Immerse yourself in a celebration of spring in the Land of the Sky, as these fine artists transport viewers to ethereal realms and expansive, meditative spaces. Join us for an evening of camaraderie and creativity, as guests mingle over refreshments and have the opportunity to engage with the artists, gain insights into their creative processes, and witness the enchantment behind each masterpiece.
A Journey Through Three Unique Artistic Worlds
Heather Hietala, a local artist based in Asheville, is a veritable master at exploring form, purpose, and design through various mediums, including woodfired ceramic, wire, and fabric. Her sculptural creations serve as profound reflections on life’s intricate journey, with vessels acting as recurring symbols representing personal narratives and universal experiences. Seedpods, canoes, paddles, sailboats, weaving shuttles, and kayaks all come to life as metaphors for relationships, identity, protection, and transcendence.
Renowned as a versatile multi-media artist, Hietala has made her mark as an educator at esteemed institutions such as Penland School of Crafts, Haystack, Arrowmont, and Warren Wilson College. Her work has been featured in distinguished publications like American Craft, Surface Design Journal, and Sen Shoku Alpha. Hietala’s art has graced the walls of esteemed institutions including the Asheville Art Museum, Wustum Museum of Fine Art, Mint Museum of Craft and Design, as well as internationally at the Wesserling Textile Museum and Singapore Art Museum. Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the artist herself during an exclusive talk and reception at Momentum Gallery on Sunday, May 19, at 2 pm.
Samantha Keely Smith, a maestro of dramatic and emotive oil paintings, captures the ever-shifting landscape of the human psyche through her vivid, visceral abstract works. Her expansive canvases, reminiscent of sprawling sunsets, tumultuous oceans, and blazing horizons, beckon viewers to delve into the depths of consciousness and emotion. Critics have heaped praise on Smith’s “fictional landscapes” for their prophetic resonance, shining a light on humanity’s intricate and increasingly strained relationship with nature and the environment.
A fervent music aficionado, Smith has collaborated with notable musicians such as Richard Barbieri of the legendary British new wave/art rock outfit Japan, Lloyd Cole, and experimental drone metal band SUNN O))) – whose albums have prominently featured Smith’s paintings on their covers.
Meanwhile, drawing inspiration from the serene wilderness, Brian Sostrom crafts mesmerizing paintings using translucent acrylics on specially developed substrates. Through his moody and ambient use of color, coupled with his signature blending techniques, Sostrom concocts ephemeral landscapes that exude tranquility and wonder. His ethereal cloudscapes and gentle waves lapping at the shoreline transport viewers to intimate moments within woodland settings and open spaces, complete with atmospheric phenomena that invite contemplation.
These captivating exhibitions will be on display at Momentum Gallery’s 52 Broadway location through Saturday, June 22. Don’t miss your chance to experience the enchanting worlds created by Heather Hietala, Samantha Keely Smith, and Brian Sostrom as they redefine the boundaries of artistic expression and captivate audiences with their innovative visions.
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