By DARLA MCCAMMON

Lakeland Arts Association

WARSAW — Lakeland Art Association will open a new exhibit on Wednesday, May 31 for your viewing pleasure.

Remember this gallery/museum is free for entry. They carry much more than nice art. You will find some very nice things like custom greeting cards, apparel, custom made jewelry at a price you will love, unique gifts and many hand-made crafts including purses and bags.

Two local women have united their efforts in a unique exhibit of their talented work.  Elizabeth Wamsley, formerly from California, has a technique with ceramics and 3-d pieces you will find astounding. Wamsley has consistently won prizes and special awrads for her full pottery pieces as well as her clever shards of pottery creations that will catch your eye.  Wamsley began at an early age in Indiana through Indiana University BFA program where for two years she was the Artist In Residence at the Campus Community Center. She later moved to California and has studied under a number of well-known ceramicists at such places as Loyola and Glendale College. She added to her extensive collection of awards and ribbons during this time, and from 2005-2007 she presided over SOCAL, a group of 400 clay artists, many of whom are internationally known.

Kelly Shoemaker joins Wamsley enmeshed in a style reminiscent of a young Picasso with her disjointed figures and exploratory suggestions that represent the human condition.  According to Shoemaker, “I am a self-taught artist.  I prefer conceptual work to realism, as I find that type of work is more open to expression. Most of my work is figurative, as I feel most inspired by human experiences and emotions. I want viewers to see what certain experiences feel like. I want my work to be thought-provoking as well as visually pleasing and interesting. I often like to use humor in my paintings and their titles.”

Shoemaker and Wamsley are both active members of Lakeland Art Association and both nearly always have a few pieces of work in the gallery.  This show will be a good opportunity to see a full range of the work by each artist..  Most of the work will also be for sale—and this work is very collectible.

Lakeland art gallery is easy to find at 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. Parking is located to the side. Gallery hours are 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m  Wednesday through Saturday.  Watch for information about their new “lunch and learn” series available to everyone and a short walk from downtown. Take your lunch hour from work and grab a bite to eat and find a new project or teaching class to enjoy!

Upcoming and Current Events: 

• Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery — a smattering of work by Darla McCammon is now on display.  Award-winning artist continues to develop in new directions.  Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Visit her website or contact her via email at [email protected], or (574) 527-4044. City Hall gallery is free admission .
• Lakeland Art Association, view the new exhibit described above.  Other arts and craft items are also on display.  Bring your friends and browse and enjoy. Located at 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. Visit online.
• Honeywell themed competition.  Enter work revolving around a water theme.  June 5 entries will be accepted at Clark Gallery, Wabash. Call the Honeywell Clark Gallery with questions.