‘Memories’ are made of

Eleven members of Mixed Media Inspired Artists are sharing their “Memories” in a show opening Thursday at Ringgold Art & Frame. Memories of a grandparent’s farm … of playing with dolls … of a secret hidey-hole in a grove of trees.

The MMIAs discussed several topics as a possible theme for the exhibition, “and something that resonated with all of us was the term ‘memories,’” says member artist Janice Kindred. “This was something everybody could identify with.”

They were challenged to recall past sensations and thoughts, events from their childhood, stunning accomplishments or dismal experiences, Kindred explains. “All affect our emotions, how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. We can be lost in our glories of the past or haunted by our mishaps.”

Now they have channeled these memories “into our brushes, our hammers, our paint,” she says.

The MMIAs explore acrylic and mixed-media techniques in classes and workshops taught by Sandra Paynter Washburn at Art Creations at Hamilton Place. They work as layerists, using additive and subtractive techniques to build surface imagery, texture and pattern to complete their two- and three-dimensional works.

Washburn founded the group in 2015 to provide exhibition opportunities for her advanced students. They learned in an experimental way at first and now have evolved into more deliberate and purposeful styles.

Kindred says their evolution is apparent in the quality of the 3-D art in this show. Of the 22 pieces in the show, five are assemblages, a style that has great appeal to the MMIAs.

They begin by experimenting with found objects, “and then because we’re the type of artists that can’t leave well enough alone, we manipulate the items we make. … Assemblage art is really something that has come a long way with our group,” Kindred says.

The majority of pieces in the show are new, created after the theme was decided. But even a designated theme can have unexpected results.

The artists may begin a work with a direction in mind, she says, but “because we’re experimental, a big factor is letting color or composition lead us in a certain way.

“It’s always different than what we can imagine.”

The show will continue through May 3. A reception with the artists is scheduled opening night.

The artists have posted their thoughts with each piece, Kindred says, so visitors “can see how our memories inspired each of us.”

Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@ timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.

Mixed Media Inspired Artists tap into nostalgia for Ringgold show

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Janice Kindred’s “Secrets,” an 18- by 20-inch acrylic, reminds her of a private place she found in a grove of poplar trees when she was a child. Her description is poetic: “The lovely air swirled through the branches, causing the leaves to applaud its...

Judy Wright’s 24- by 48-inch acrylic “Savannah” is based on a haiku: “Suddenly I see / Life abundant everywhere / Marsh grass glistening.”

Faye Ives says “Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes),” a 14.5- by 7- by 5-inch found objects/mixed media piece, “brings back the memory of playing and dressing my dolls.”

Lee Glasscock says “Lazy River,” a 16- by 20-inch acrylic, “reminds me of a place on my grandfather’s farm where you felt like you were a million miles away from the rest of the world.”