FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 6/6/10
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org

Press contact only: Sinclair Hamilton -- sinclairhamilton@verizon.net

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GALLERY SHOW OPENING AT ICE HOUSE


BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV -- Variations on a theme are the essence of 
Themas, a new gallery exhibit opening at the Ice House Gallery on 
Friday, June 11 at 7:30pm. The opening follows an Artwalk that 
starts with a special reception at Mountain Laurel Gallery at 5pm. 
The art exhibit hangs at the Ice House through July 11.

Six artists from the region and Washington, DC selected six themes and 
created works of art plus variations resulting in more than 40 pieces 
in media ranging from sculpture to paintings. "It's a show that 
demonstrates how ideas are interpreted by different artists and the 
many possible ways of presenting these ideas," said Sinclair Hamilton, 
curator of the show.

As an added bonus, well-known poet, Ann Knox also collaborated on the 
show, writing poems which will be displayed in the gallery along with 
the art works. "Ann's poems are based on the selected themes," said 
Hamilton.

Among the regional artists participating in the show are painter Susan 
Lothers and sculptor and painter Mike Kligerman. "Mike has an 
exuberant approach to life and art," said Hamilton as well as a degree 
from the Instituto de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Hamilton, who is 
also a sculptor, has several pieces in the show.

The trio of artists who often show together in Washington, DC include 
Joe Edwards, Norma Ryan and John Ryan. " Norma is a magician in her 
ability to transform broken plates and cups into beautiful objects 
like mirrors and vases," said Hamilton. "She arranges hundreds of 
thematic elements to create a story line captured in patterns and 
colors." John Ryan is a prominent illustrator and Edwards is an 
abstract painter.

"This show promises to be different than many of our others," said 
Mary Hott, Executive Director of the Morgan Arts Council. "It has a 
strong intellectual aspect to it."

The curated gallery exhibit produced by the Morgan Arts Council is 
funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the West Virginia 
Commission on the Arts and hotel/motel tax revenues. The Ice House is 
located on the corner of Independence and Mercer. Gallery hours are 
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. For more information 
call 258-2300 or check online at www.macicehouse.org.