From Bling to Vintage Flair

October guest artists Kerry Nolan, left, and Cathy Elmore

Fresh, romantic, unique and vintage are just a few words that describe the work of October's guest artists at Gallery 54 in Skaneateles, NY. It could be said that this exhibit of Filigree Fine Crafts has taken nearly 50 years to come together with contributions from coast to coast.

The opening for this unique showing will be held at Skaneateles' Gallery 54 from 5 to 8 pm, October 5. The show will run through November 25.

Sisters Cathy Elmore, representing the west coast contribution from Agoura Hills, CA, recalls beginning to create her art as early as 1972 and Kerry Nolan, the shows east coast and “local” contribution, hailing from Rochester, NY allows that she has “crafted all my life.” Both credit their mother and her crocheting, knitting, and sewing as providing the foundation for their work.

With that foundation, Kerry notes she only started creating her handbags and rose jewelry with its “fresh designs and a vintage flair” about five years ago. “All my pieces,” she says,” are crafted by hand and each takes several days to complete. Like real flowers, they grow into unique pieces as I add found items to a base flower.”

Cathy, from her west coast home, describes her work with beautiful yarns as “creating art that is romantic, unique and wearable.” Her scarves and cowls are both fun and novel at the same time. One example that will be included in the October showing at Gallery 54, is titled Sunset Boulevard Cowls. The cowls are “extra large and elegant,” featuring “lovely trim and a little bling”

says Cathy. Visitors to Gallery 54 will want to take note of the way Cathy blends an assortment of yarns to create each piece.

Kerry emphasizes her desire to create flowers that will “last forever. I love romantic, vintage and unique things,” she says adding, “many of my corsage pins feature old advertising buttons,” such as pins used to promote candidates for political office. “I want to give these various elements new life in a new form,” she said recently. “

Gallery 54 is an upscale gallery of locally produced art and fine crafts. The October opening will feature wine tastings presented by Anyela's Vineyards, light refreshments, and music by guitarist/singer Jane Zell.

Check out Gallery 54's online store at www.Gallery54CNY.net.