Dance of Life, Pat Ferullo

Awakenings…the journey, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Patricia Cole-Ferullo and constructions and collages by Dom Ferullo will be celebrated with an opening reception for the public at The Depot gallery at Millard & Company on Friday Feb. 26, from 5 – 7 p.m. Delicious snacks and libations will be served and music will liven the atmosphere. Dancing is not encouraged but fine conversation will be welcomed.

This exhibit will present a selection of works created over the last 10-15 years by Dom and Pat. As creative artists, not wedded to a particular style, each has followed her/his own path to discovery through explorations in different media and modes of expression.

Dom, in his early career began creating small sculptures in clay, which he then cast in lead, leading to recognition by the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art in juried exhibitions and sales at galleries in the area. He then turned to welding, creating freestanding abstract sculptures, prizewinners in prestigious museum exhibits in Palm Beach and Tampa, Florida. Many of his large pieces are in the collections of well-known artists and collectors.

After moving to Saluda in 1987 he was inspired to use the abundant wood growing on the property, carefully selecting branches from Mountain Laurel and other indigenous woods, such as Tulip Poplar, Maple and Locust which he then turned into beautiful tables, chairs and whatever struck his fancy. He was juried into the Southern Highland Craft Guild where he sold his pieces and was featured in special exhibits of fine furniture.

He was also experimenting with collaged paper at this time, which he pursued after moving to Tryon in the late 90s. Since then he has experimented with different approaches to collage in his own way. Several of these will be shown in this exhibit.

Pat began with a BA in fine art from Florida State University, and over the years has made it a point to unlearn the rules by breaking them as often as necessary in order go where her heart leads in the development of her personal expression. Her career began in earnest in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where she maintained a studio in the art district, teaching classes in drawing and painting and developing a following for her paintings and “Supergraphics,” large flowing abstract images directly on the walls, flowing up stairs and through rooms, art to live or work in.

During this time she also experimented with plexiglass, creating and exhibiting free standing abstract sculptures using clear and colored sheets which she cut and fused together, then assembled and attached to small motors that allowed the forms to revolve and catch the light.

After moving to North Carolina, she followed her interest in expressing the invisible energies and beauty in nature using acrylics, watercolors, local clay, and whatever medium expressed her feelings. She gradually began to realize that each drawing or painting was another step on her journey as an artist.

The tryptich “Quantum Journey,” shown in this exhibit was the first expression of this realization. A selection of paintings and drawings done while living in Italy from 2006-2008 will be shown, but are not for sale.

The Depot Room at Millard & Company is open during business hours Monday through Friday and the exhibit will be available to view until March 28.

-Submitted by Michele Deudne