We are thrilled that Bella Erakko has returned to the Alliance Art Gallery. Bella was a member for several years, then left to write a book. The book is completed and she has gone back to weaving.
The Alliance Art Gallery will feature her work during the month of March. As a fiber artist, Bella weaves words and threads. Once she has the design for her shawl or scarf warped on the loom, she looks for a poem, song, or prayer, to infuse into it. Every time she throws the shuttle, she silently says a line of what she has selected. She has come to believe the words silently woven into the shawl or scarf are stronger than the threads themselves.
As a newspaper columnist and author, Bella also weaves words. Her latest books look at Alzheimer’s from a soul perspective. She asks the question: Is soul-to-soul communication possible in advanced Alzheimer’s—and suggests there are ways to weave the soul-to-soul communication of love together.
Sharing the March spotlight is longtime Alliance Art Gallery member, Pat Kerns, who is known for her paintings of ordinary objects especially items that show age and character. Pat chooses either oils, pastel or acrylics to best capture her subjects, showcasing each place or item to tell the most compelling story. Pat says her work is forever changing and evolving as she explores new techniques. She is currently an adjunct professor of art at Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO. She has taught art in both public and private schools, private classes and workshops.
Bella and Pat have recently collaborated on a series of paintings and weavings that echo one another in design and color. An exhibit of their current work will begin on March 12, and conclude on April 8. The exhibit coincides with the Second Saturday Gallery Night, a monthly gathering from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and offers an opportunity to meet member artists. A piece of art work by Pat will be given away at a 6 p.m. drawing.
