BACKSTREET GALLERY

Time and Tides is the theme of the Backstreet Gallery’s August featured artists, Jayne Smoley and Meredith Draper. A reception in their honor will be held on the Second Saturday Gallery Tour on August 13.

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Fused glass artist Jayne Smoley sails into summer with her new sailboat art. Because of the brilliant glass designs these assemblages blend with light to create a glowing transparency. Her works spread across a wide range of creations. Her glamorous pendants, earrings and bracelets offer a fashion-flair. For utility, her nightlights and wall sconces can light up a room. Add one of her plates or sculptures for pizzazz in any decor.

 

She and her husband own a landscaping business so her creations continue in her equally beautiful garden.        

   

Though mostly self-taught, Jayne comes from a rich background of creative endeavors. It started with her mother's encouragement. She and Mom owned an art store, offering classes, thus the beginning of her affair with the kiln.

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Smoley’s pieces are displayed in private collections in the U.S. and the Philippines. She has shown her work galleries in Portland, Bend and Florence where she earned several awards.

      

Meredith Draper’s wit and humor often find their way into her altered timepieces. “The Search is half the fun!” Exploring here there and everywhere, Meredith finds beautiful antique watches and other exquisitely crafted parts to combine them into one-of-a-kind elegant jewelry. This is where time stops and beauty begins.

 

It’s only natural that Meredith pursued the arts as her mother was an accomplished watercolorist who taught art.

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In her 50-year love affair with art, Meredith has dabbled in spinning and weaving, free form sculpture, clay works, and painting, but now finds her inspiration in ‘time’ honored Altered art.

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If not assembling her  ‘time’ pieces, you might find her, cat in lap reading, in the kitchen cooking something delicious or on the trail Geocaching.

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Beside their show of dazzling glass and wonderful ‘time’ art, there will be an array of hors d'oeuvres with 20 some local artists’ work on display at their reception on August 13th at Backstreet Gallery 1421 Bay St. On his electric guitar, Danny Weaver will perform his fabulous familiar tunes from the 60’s to the present.

 

The gallery is open daily 10-6PM and 6-8PM Fridays and Saturdays.