By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
The artwork of Westmont artists Marcene Glover and her mother, Dorie Sheridan, occupy two galleries at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
The mixed-media collage of Glover’s paintings, drawings and handmade jewelry and Sheridan’s painted silk sculptures showcase their diverse but singular viewpoints as they share mutual interpretations of words and color.
The duo’s creations will be on display through Jan. 7 at the arts center, 411 Third Ave.
Sheridan debuts whimsical collectibles in her Royal Knobbies series. The figures exhibit charm and playfulnesss. From Spirit Guide to Vessel to Empress, Sheridan’s hand-painted silk adds a dimension of animation to her freestanding and hanging sculptures.
She also is displaying amulet bags, following the Polish heritage.
Sheridan, a self-taught artist, has developed layering techniques that combine fibers with binders, which result in added depth.
“It is both a challenge and a pleasure to create vessels and sculptures from silk,” Sheridan said.
“The challenge comes from having to overcome obstacles presented by the use of a soft fabric.”
In discussing the origin of the Royal Knobbies, she said no one knows for certain in what part of the world they reside – deep in the woods, under a tree or perhaps in the sky.
“They came to me while I was on my sunporch, between a dream and a daydream,” she said. “It is hard to know what is real in this illusive lighting, but this is how the Royal Knobbies first appeared to me.”
Glover’s mixed-media paintings are from her collection of state and federal congressional portraits commissioned by each member.
“I was inspired to compile this collection of portraits while watching the U.S. House proceedings about nine years ago on C-SPAN,” she said. “I watched Congressman (Robert) Dornan’s fiery style of debate that seemed to match his red hair.”
She took notice of the diversity of views being represented and the fervency with which the representatives fight for their constituents.
“I began to admire the American system of government that enables citizens’ views to be represented so strongly,” she said. “I also began to realize the time they devote to their work.”
She became intrigued by visually representing each representative’s issues and specific views through art.
She has made it her mission to interview and paint portraits of local, state and national government officials as a tribute to their endeavors.
The process begins with an interview, to identify the issues to be represented in the portrait. The sittings take place in the representative’s office.
Glover, a courtroom artist, is trained to work quickly.
“I interview each member to learn the subject’s background, goals, and political philosophy and incorporate those aspects into the painting,” she said.
Her mixed-media paintings combine realism, letterism and symbolism to portray her subjects’ moods, cultures, personalities, history and concerns.
“I capture the essence of a person rather than just physical appearance,” Glover said.
The exhibit features a number of U.S. congressmen, including John. P. Murtha of Johnstown.
“After our interview, I knew of Mr. Murtha’s strong feelings about the Vietnam War and his commitment to veterans’ issues,” Glover said. “That’s why I used the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall as a background.”
After a lengthy interview with U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, Glover got a sense of his pride about coming from humble beginnings. In the foreground of his portrait is a flock of chickens.
“As a young man, he would talk to chickens to hone his speaking skills,” Glover said.
A final consultation takes place for the congressman to give approval or request changes be made. No portrait is exhibited without the subject’s approval.
Most of the exhibited portraits have been purchased by congressmen and are on display in the Capitol Hill offices when not on tour.
Glover is working on making reproductions of her portraits so congressmen don’t have to loan the originals.
Viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment by calling 242-4336.
Two for one
Who: Artists Marcene Glover and Dorie Sheridan.
What: “Facets in Culture, Faces in Government, Portraying the Essence of People and Places” and Royal Knobbies Series.
Where: Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Cambria City neighborhood of Johnstown.
When: Exhibits on display through Jan. 7.
Admission: Free.
