Durham art gallery holds holiday exhibit

One Durham art gallery is letting the holiday spirit loose in its latest exhibit.

The artists at the Pleiades Gallery are putting their own spin on the holidays in “Gathering,” their new gallery show that runs until Jan. 5. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Dec. 20.

James Adams, a member artist, said his sculptures try to depict the stress and chaos that the holiday season often induces.

“I try to be really honest in my work,” he said. “I try to find beauty in all of life.”

Kim Wheaton, who co-founded the gallery, said her work is also much darker; one piece, a painting titled “Homecoming,” relies heavily on the use of deep, brooding colors. She said her work tries to portray feelings of being overwhelmed, something she has always associated with this busy time of year.

Wheaton said running the gallery is a collaborative effort, with each of the 10 member artists responsible for paying part of the gallery’s rent, taking work shifts at the gallery to sell paintings and serving on various committees.

“We wanted a gallery that’s run by artists,” Wheaton said. “Being an artist is kind of a lonely occupation.”

Both Wheaton and the other co-founder Renee Leverty have worked with galleries based on similar models and decided to bring the idea to Durham.

Wheaton said the gallery runs featured artist shows, which typically run for three weeks and showcase the work of two of the member artists. These are alternated with themed shows, like “Gathering,” for which each artist contributes work.

The themed exhibits are housed in the front of the gallery, while the back is reserved for nonrelated artwork by the member artists.

Emily Cox, one of the member artists, said she mainly worked with clay as her medium and created a couple of ceramic pieces for the show using raku, a Japanese firing method.

Cox said that for a long time, she never considered art as an option, mainly because her mother was an artist, and being an artist was her mother’s thing. Once she let go of that idea, she said she was able to pursue her passion for art.

“My advice would be challenge yourself to capture your desires and your curiosity about the world, and don’t let your fear of judgment stop you from doing anything,” Cox said.

Cox said the group picks themes that are broad and universal enough to ensure that different audience members will find the exhibit relatable and that each of the artists can produce work for it.

“We are honoring the gathering spirit of the holidays,” Cox said.

“We hope people will learn to appreciate the personal stories of local people who are making the art and consider the value of handmade art.”

arts@dailytarheel.com