"Forms of Life"

JRB Art at the Elms, is delighted to present "Forms of Life," which will be on exhibit from July 5th to August 31st, 2024. The exhibition showcases the work of three very different artists: Michele Mikesell, who explores themes of dichotomy and irony through anthropomorphic portraits; Carolyn Farris, an artist of nature known for her encaustic and mixed-media techniques; and Cherrie Hampton, an artist whose evolving career includes watercolor, art quilting, and needle felting. The public is invited to the opening reception on July 5th at JRB Art at the Elms to celebrate the talent of these artists. Michele Mikesell, a Dallas-based artist with an MFA from the University of Oklahoma, is internationally acclaimed for her textured paintings showcased at Art Miami's Scope, Art Basel and throughout Europe. Utilizing unconventional tools like chisels and solvents, she creates shapes that blend worn textures with highly polished images. Combining elements of Abstract, German Expressionism, and Pop Surrealism. Highlighted in Juxtapoz Magazine, Michele lives and works in South Dallas and Spain. Carolyn Farris began her art journey early, winning a sixth-grade competition. Moving to Dallas in 1960, she became a self-taught artist known for her western and wildlife art. After raising her children, she earned an MFA from the University of Oklahoma and started a 25-year teaching career at Oklahoma Community College. Influenced by feminist art, Carolyn's encaustic paintings, characterized by layered textures and luminous qualities, gained success in Santa Fe. Her award-winning work is exhibited nationally and internationally. She created the “Devon Centennial Mosaic” in Oklahoma City's Bricktown Canal. Cherrie Hampton's artistic journey has progressed from watercolor painting to art quilting and finally to needle felting, developing color awareness and pigment layering techniques. She uses various mediums to create bright, detailed images with subtle texture and dimension. Inspired by the natural world, her work focuses on portraits of people, animals, and daily life scenes. Hampton's work has been featured in exhibitions such as "Sacred Threads" and the "National Weather Center Biennale," earning awards like the Letzeriser Award and the T. J. Mays Purchase Award. She has been recognized in several publications including American Quilter Magazine. The exhibition will be open to the public from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening.