Gallery at Towne Centre features Michelle Bear and Chris Nielsen

The Gallery at Towne Centre presents "Form and Flight" Artwork by Michelle Bear and Chris Nielsen, May 17 – July 2, 2011

The Arts Council welcomes spring with two artists who like to work large and bold. Michelle Bears’ large mixed media drawings of birds against the gold and grey glazes of Chris Niesen’s three foot tall pots and large bowls will transform The Gallery at Towne Centre. The beauty of birds of prey and our delicate neighborhood birds is transposed against the clean lines and cool tones of ceramic vessels.

The new exhibit Form and Flight runs May 17 through July 2, 2011. As usual, the gallery also features a stunning array of locally crafted glass, pottery, jewelry, fine art and more. If you haven’t visited us in our new location what are you waiting for?

More on the Artists:

Michelle Bear

I might be called a naturalist artist. My particular responsibility is to portray the (natural) world of and around me. I believe we are here to notice each thing so each thing gets noticed. I attempt to be as observant as I can be. Sometimes I wonder what mark I will leave here myself; the grasses I have let grow or things left unsaid. Anyone who creates a deep map of place fears her images will detonate that place. And so I tread lightly.

Chris Nielsen

I first studied ceramics with Claude Horan, founder of the ceramics department at the University of Hawaii. Though primarily an abstract-expressionist-influenced potter and sculptor, he grounded me in a fine sense of form and the arts-and-crafts philosophy of the English potter Bernard Leach. Since then I’ve worked to perfect an expression of classicism with functional pottery featuring simple designs and natural materials. Brushed slip, celadons, and iron and ash glazes have a muted quality that complement a clean, fine line – a swelling vase or a welcoming bowl.

The Gallery is located on the inside lower level of the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155. Hours are 12-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11-4 Sunday. Gallery phone - 206-588-8332. 

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations. Proceeds from the Gallery at Lake Forest Park Towne Centre help fund these programs and events.