Art Exhibit Impresses All

The Mary Hulton Phillips Art Gallery is currently hosting a multi-artist exhibition, "Fibers & Metals: Recent Work by Five Artist" at Butler County Community College. The exhibit premiered March 4 with an opening reception and will run through Mach 31.

A collection of jewelry, quilts, and small sculptures, all art within the exhibit is comprised of metaphysical materials and ordinary everyday objects that created a level of synergy forming incredible (and some, wearable) pieces of art.


Communication Director at Butler County Community College and one of local five artists to have their art on display, Susan Changnon exhibited a personal favorite, typewriter key necklace. Other pieces of uniquely created jewelry made from stones, metals and beads, Changnon pieces can be worn for work, play, or admired on your wall. Changnon has studied metalsmithing and beading at the Appalachian Rock Shop in Zelienople, PA, for over five years.


"It's exciting to see the support from both the faculty and students for opening night," said Kiley Cribbs, Coordinator of Police and EMS programs at BC3. "I was surprised at the amount of talent we have in our own backyard."


Artist Frances Frederick displayed a variety of contemporary quilts throughout the gallery, comprised of multiple colors and patterns. Her experience includes over 700 hours of instruction in the visual arts and fine crafts, including design with ceramics, printmaking in addition to an assortment of art quilts.


When asked to describe her own art, Nora Gales quickly shouts out "Re-Defined." Combining wearable pieces of materials, metals, and every-day object, this New Castle native definitely has a unique style.


BC3 Student, Alicia Maticic, was pleasantly surprised at the art on display. "The exhibit wasn't what I expected to see," said Maticic, "when asked by a friend to attend the exhibit, I wasn't antipating wanting to contact the artist to purchase pieces of their art!"


Cranberry Township, LaRoche College graduate and current Fine Arts student at BC3, Jessica Grayburn is sharing her jewelry comprised of natural materials such as beads, cords, stones and wires. Grayburn plans to Seton Hill University this fall to take her art to the next level through Art Therapy and Professional Counseling.


Another of BC3's own, Barbara Rimmel is currently enrolled in the Fine Arts program. Rimmel's work makes the viewer feels as though they are standing in nature, not a gallery. Using feathers, wood, seashells and feathers, her pieces can be worn or admired from afar, it's not a surprise her inspiration comes from the outdoor world!

The Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery hosts the Annual Student Art Exhibit each April to feature the work students involved with the Fine Arts Program at BC3, in addition to other contemporary fine art exhibitions throughout the school year.


"I'm glad that there's a venue for these individuals to share their talents with us!" said Cribbs.

"Fibers & Metals: Recent Work by Five Artist" will be open at various day and evenings times through the end of March. For additional information or to make an appointment to view the exhibit, contact Larry Stock, Cultural Center Director, at 724-284-8505.