Charlottesville, VA, July 22nd, 2022
Mary Ellen Larkins, a gifted talent and popular jeweler of C’ville Arts, explores the inspiring and magical aspects of fused glass. She will be at the gallery during the Historic Downtown Mall’s First Friday celebration on August 5, from 5 – 7 pm to share her glowing new collection.
“Twenty-three years ago, I fell in love with fused glass.” Mary Ellen recalls the early days, “gradually, I moved beyond the artful geometry into more lyrical representations and landscapes of wonderful trees. This technique involves "layering three sheets of glass with numerous cuts in the glass to allow for the trees and adding extra components. Countless colored and patterned layers are created on sheets of glass, and sequentially fired in a 1480-degree kiln to form deep images. After firing, then I add gold liquid and some enamel paint to create fine details. My life would be poorer without glass. Its beauty transports me to a place of tranquility and allows me to forget, for a while at least, the troubles of the world.”
Larkins builds layers of rich color and splendor that reflect her decades of experience. Her designs take a solid understanding of fused glass techniques, avoiding fractures and many other negative outcomes. She has carefully developed a successful strategy that produces a radiant peacefulness flowing from one piece to another in her latest work.
In addition, Mary Ellen offers her popular line of iridescent jewelry. Her eye-catching designs combined with the beauty of her color techniques makes her work hard to resist. She demonstrates her depth and wide breadth of experience all in one place for her audience to enjoy, come see the show!
To learn more about Mary Ellen visit her web site www.maryellenlarkins.com
*Photographs taken by Gerry Bishop, living and working in Charlottesville.
For additional information, contact Genevieve Story at 434-972-9500. The gallery’s web site is www.cvillearts.org. The C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery, located on the historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville.
C’ville Arts is open 7 days a week - Monday - Thursday 10-6; Friday/Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 12-5.
ABOUT C’VILLE ARTS – C’ville Arts, a cooperative membership gallery of more than sixty local artists and crafters, was established in 1997. Original works include photography, painting, glass, fiber, clay and pottery, quilling, mosaics, jewelry, leather, candles and wood.