New Works 2009 – 2010, an exhibit of works by Dom Ferullo and Patricia Cole-Ferullo, opens January 4 at the Artists Guild Gallery in Spartanburgs Chapman Cultural Center and continues through Jan. 28.

Both artists have won top awards in national and international competitions and have works in private and corporate collections in this country and abroad. Dom is represented by MYST Gallery in Spartanburg and Patricia by the Silver Fox Gallery in Hendersonville, N.C., and MYST Gallery.

The artists now make their home in Tryon after having lived and studied extensively both in this country and abroad.

After returning to Tryon in December of 2007, Pat resumed teaching classes in experimental water media at the Tryon Fine Arts Center and in her private studio and teaching Abstract Expressionist Painting and Introduction to Watercolor at Isothermal Community College in Columbus.

Dom also teaches classes and workshops in collage/mixed media at the Tryon Fine Arts Center and in collage/mixed media at Isothermal Community College in Columbus.

The artists work primarily in mixed media on canvas and board, but Dom Ferullo also creates abstract collage and free-standing and wall-hung wood sculpture.

One of the sculptures, Encroachment, a floor sculpture of mixed wood construction, conveys the artists strong feelings about the destruction of natural resources and land as cities continue to grow and encroach on the natural world, a prevailing theme in his work.

Patricia Cole-Ferullos mixed water media on canvas or board is in the Abstract Expressionist-experimental mode. She developed a love for and a strong connection to the sea, sand, and all of nature while living in Florida and the south of Italy. That affinity is evident in Sky Markers, a water media, pen, pencil work on stretched canvas, the final painting in a series based on her research into Sacred Geometry.

An artists reception will be held January 21, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with Art Walk. Admission to the Guild Gallery and the artists reception is free of charge.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For information, contact Laura Pinkley, 864-764-9568.