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Katheryn Davis Book at Backstreet

 Just in time for the holidays, Backstreet Gallery is pleased to offer The Art of Katheryn Davis, an 11 x 8-1/2 hardcover book chronicling the life and art of a most famous and beloved Florence artist. The high quality, full-color, off-set printing of this outstanding book accentuates the impassioned oils, watercolors and sketches by the award-winning artist.

 While her life’s work encompasses nearly 2000 works, the book most beautifully presents 250 of her works in its 248 pages, showing Katheryn’s striking impressionistic style. The content of the book relates interesting information about her travels to capture life’s beauty on location or with live models. It also offers her comments about her life in the art world, 32 years of which were spent in Florence.

 

The Art of Katheryn Davis is by Katheryn’s husband, Leroy Krzycki, who adds richness and insights into her work.

 Taking the 20th century technology to the 21st century was accomplished by expert photographer Charles Draper. He worked wonders converting old photos into the high-resolution digital files expected in today’s high-tech world, while Debbie Golob and Susan Canavarro also provided assistance.

 Katheryn’s art workshops were attended by students from a great many places, but those students in Florence feel particularly blessed to have received her guidance and friendship.

 Katheryn once said, “Art is a life-long study and I am an eternal student.” With this book, she becomes an eternal teacher of art. Be inspired. Come to Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street, for your copy of this marvelous book!


Kathy Shamey * Featured Artist for July

July brings in the heat with Kathy Shamey’s “Fire and Ice”. Backstreet Gallery celebrated it’s 6th anniversary and is starting off the new year with ceramist and glass artist Kathy Shamey.

“Working with ceramics and fused glass,” she said is, “fire and ice. “  The integration results in a notable exhibit of pottery; both high fired and  Raku fired works, which produce decorative and functional ceramic pieces.  Beautiful transparent treasures in glass complete the show.

Her pottery is both wheel thrown and hand built. A variety of glazes, alterations and shapes make her work distinctive.  She is inspired by gallery touring and being part of a local group of other clay artists. “I love going to galleries, working with other artists, and sharing ideas. There’s a synergy that’s inspiring.”  A new studio is in the making at her house. This should be a great inspiration
for her upcoming work.

Read more about Kathy here.

Join Kathy on July 9th for a great reception, complete with a wonderful spread of food and beverage with a backdrop of art by twenty-one other local artists. This will be a stop on the GALA Art Walk.


Featuring Guest Artists Ramona Welzel and Liz Johnson

Romona Welzel & Liz Johnson
Romona Welzel & Liz Johnson

Ramona Welzel and Liz Johnson bring a fresh show to Backstreet Gallery for the month of May.  Their small but mighty submissions to The Little Dickens Miniature Show in December garnered them both Best Of Show awards in 3D and 2D respectively plus this annual show where the public can hang thier work gallery.

Liz Johnson comes to Florence with a rich educational background in architecture and in the fields of papermaking, printmaking, bookbinding, and watercolor. Her work is included in public and private collections around the world. Currently she is focused on book arts and teaching book classes at Rosie’s Art Carnival. 

She invites you interact and explore the magical qualities of the books and their exquisite covers, when you touch and feel the texture as you turn the pages. “Let your imagination run free with a book in your hand.” Her books are a treasure.

Besides teaching, you may appreciate her behind the scenes work with the galleries at The Florence Events Center where she is a volunteer on the Art Committee.

“I’m inspired by the ocean. That’s why I’m here,” Liz says. She loves the outdoors, enjoys hiking and exploring the beach. 

Coastal Castles by Ramona WelzelNow as a dream come true, Ramona Welzel is an independent artist having turned back to her childhood passion and talent for drawing and painting. Practically, Ramona used these talents and pursued an education to become a production manger in marketing, advertising and silkscreening companies.

Her soft transparent watercolor glazes form shapes that seem to emerge from within the paper – sometimes with whimsy, sometimes floral and other times abstract. She also enjoys pen and ink. These skills have developed her own signature style and have won her honorable mentions in Celebrate Arts.

Nature Imitating Art by Ramona WelzelAbout her painting and her techniques she says, “Negative painting is my favorite method. I love using layers of colors to develop my subject and design.” In addition to her art, Ramona is a Friend of the Library and is a member of the Monday painters.

Watch for her captivating work displayed at various venues locally and regionally around Florence.

Please join us in celebrating Liz & Romona at their reception on May 14th at Backstreet Gallery.


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