The Deer Isle Artists Association is pleased to announce the next Winter Artist-in-Residence Program with glass artist Jean Gresham, which begins February 3. Jean transforms glass into all shapes and sizes, from one-of-a-kind jewelry and functional pieces to elegant wall art and home decor. Much of her work is inspired by her love of this island – its woods, shoreline and surrounding waters.
During her residency, Jean plans on designing future glass projects inspired by living on the island. She will teach visitors about the processes and techniques used when making her art pieces by fusing, slumping, and/or casting them in her kilns.
Jean will be at the gallery Monday-Friday, February 3-28, from 10:00am-3:00pm, and some Saturdays too! When the open flag is flying, please stop in for a visit and to see her work-in-progress.
On February 15 from 1:00-3:00pm, Jean will host a free “Island Inspirations” drawing workshop at the DIAA gallery. She will teach participants how she prepares and designs her glass pieces, starting with a sketch or detailed drawing and ending up with a finished piece inspired by her initial design. Participants will create one 6×6″ colorful board tile by sketching their favorite island scene or choosing one of Jean’s line drawings as a starting point. The tiles will be combined into a Community Quilt of tiles, which will hang at the DIAA gallery for the remainder of February. Afterwards, the Community Quilt will be on display at the Chase Emerson Memorial Library this spring. Participants will be able to pick up their tiles at the end of the library show. No art background is needed. All materials will be provided. Please email Jean at info@jgreshamdesign.com to register. Space is limited.
Additionally, Jean will offer an “Island Inspirations” drawing workshop for children and parents in partnership with the library’s Storytime on Saturday, February 22 at 10:00am at the library. We will read a locally inspired book, draw island scenes on board tiles, and combine them into a Community Quilt of tiles (as described above for the February 15 workshop – but with age-appropriate markers!). Please contact the library at deerislelibrary@gmail.com to register. Space is limited.
*Please email Jean if you have a group who would like to do an additional drawing workshop during school vacation week or after work one evening.
Jean will host an artist talk and exhibition of her work on Friday, February 28, from 3-5:00pm. All are invited! Jean’s work can also be viewed at jgreshamdesign.com and on Instagram & Facebook @jgreshamdesign.
The Deer Isle Artists Association gallery is located at 15 Main Street in Deer Isle Village. Follow us at https://www.deerisleartists.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DeerIsleArtists, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/diaaartists. (207) 598-9656
Image: “Splash” by Jean Gresham, art glass
