For SPN

STEVENS POINT — Slowly spinning mobiles, flow paintings, and living sculpture launch Q Gallery’s “Momentum” show on Friday, July 6. Q artist, Erin Prais-Hintz developed the show.

“Momentum to me is all about movement,” Prais-Hintz says, “actual and implied – whether that is a simple mechanical action of bodies in motion, the aspect of chance as it relates to the spontaneous flow of creation, or the constant push forward toward new goals and horizons.”

Prais-Hintz and other Q artists created new 3D and 2D art for the show that depicts their vision of momentum. These include clay artists Sandy Ticknor and Lynn Kirby, basket-maker Elise Thornton, silk artist Mary Therese-Murphy, encaustic painter Jessie Fritsch, furniture maker Graham Coulson, print-maker Justine Pawelski, and painters Kristie Cecil and Dan Sivek.

A special feature of the reception is a performance art by The Company, the Dance Education Center’s elite dance group. Tori Rogalski, DEC director, and her dancers created a performance choreographed specially for Momentum’s opening. The public is invited to view the art, experience the dance, and meet the artists at the public reception. The free reception runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Stevens Point gallery.

(Contributed)

Classes and demonstrations on jewelry-making will take place over Momentum’s two-month run. These events and more will be posted on Q’s website, in their newsletter, and on their Facebook page.

Momentum introduces dozens of original, all-new pendants, bracelets, and earrings by Prais-Hintz. Most employ polymer clay, an extremely versatile medium in which Prais-Hintz excels.

“I use different polymer clay techniques to create bold colors and swirling patterns: the Japanese technique of Mokume Gane, Natasha cane, and Stroppel cane. Each technique has a bit of mystery in the creating because you are never sure what you are going to get until you slice into it.”

Prais-Hintz gained inspiration for Momentum from the famous artist, Alexander Calder, best known for his large-scale mobiles.

“I have long been fascinated by the work of Alexander Calder,” said Prais-Hintz. “I like the simple lines of his jewelry, the elemental almost tribal shapes and textures, and the minimalistic look with a handcrafted feel. His grandson, Holton Rower, is a contemporary artist who is an inspiration for my fluid paintings that can mimic some of the same swirling colors and patterns in my clay.”

In conjunction with Momentum, Art Bloom returns to Q Gallery on Friday, July 13 for a three-day stand. One of the gallery’s most popular shows, Art Bloom features floral arrangements created by Portage County Master Gardeners to complement a specific work of art. The public is invited to return to the gallery for Art Bloom’s own reception on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 to meet creators of the floral arrangements and the art. Art Bloom is held in conjunction with Master Gardeners’ Garden Parade on July 14.

Q Artists Cooperative is also pleased to announce three new members who’ll be exhibiting during the Momentum show. Pat Gaska is a fiber artist specializing in hand and machine stitched wall art. Mike Jagielo is a furniture and cabinet-maker, whose work complements the hand-crafted furniture of Graham Coulson. Together, their work elevates Q Gallery to a top local destination for fine furniture. Zay Olsen is a versatile artist whose initial work at Q focuses on graphite pencil drawings, some incorporating powdered graphite.

Momentum runs through early September, when Q will install its next exhibition, Six by Six.

Q Gallery is run by Q Artists Cooperative. Regional and local artist member are accepted through a juried process. The gallery offers a range of fine art in painting, printmaking, photography, fabric, jewelry, clay, glass, furniture, lamps, and more – all original and handmade. The gallery is located at 1108 Main Street in downtown Stevens Point. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-3, closed Mondays. Additional information can be found online at qartists.com.