Last days for Erpf Gallery’s exhibition
“Function or Form: Utilitarian Art,” featuring work by 15 local artists, will be on display through Jan. 6 at the Catskill Center’s Erpf Gallery, 43355 state Route 28, Arkville.
Many of the products people use every day are not only useful, but beautiful. Homemade furniture, clothing, pottery, quilts — so many items people depend on for everyday use could be on display for their beauty.
In 2016, the gallery hosted the first Utilitarian show to celebrate local people that create art with both function and beautiful form. The show was such a success that the Utilitarian Art show has become an annual event around the holidays. This year’s show features some returning artists and several new artists.
Several of this year’s functional pieces were created by talented furniture and woodworkers, including Janie Greenwald, chair caning; John Byer, Dan Palm and John Virga, woodworkers; and Richard Kirgin and Franc Palaia, furniture. One of these talented woodworkers is Joe Muehl. He grew up in Oneonta before spending 20 years in the Boston area as a cabinet and furniture maker. In 1997, he returned to Oneonta to be closer to family.
The show also features several different fabric artists: Enid Cytryn, clothing; Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes, weaving; and Maureen DeKaser, handmade floorcoverings. The exhibit also includes Delhi artist Annie Hayes, who has been making hooked rugs for over 10 years.
In addition, the show features window coverings by Jessica Baker. She is a mixedmedia visual artist based in Woodstock. Her work has been presented in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally.
The gallery’s hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., although it will be closed Saturday, Dec. 30.
Call (845) 586-2611 or visit catskillcenter.org for more information.