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FRANK’s latest exhibit shows of diversity of artists

	Shelly Hehenberger, one of FRANK’s consignment artists, discusses her mixed media artwork with a visitor of the “Let’s Be FRANK” exhibition.

Shelly Hehenberger, one of FRANK’s consignment artists, discusses her mixed media artwork with a visitor of the “Let’s Be FRANK” exhibition.

From ceramic arts and acrylic paintings to photography and woodworking, FRANK Gallery’s latest exhibit showcases a dynamic variety of artistic disciplines.

The show, “Let’s Be FRANK,” is part of the gallery’s annual member spotlight, which features work from the gallery’s 22 member artists.

“Once a year, we like to break from our regular shows and give them all a chance to show off their new work,” gallery manager Torey Mishoe said.

Mishoe said many of the member artists have been with the gallery since its opening in 2010, and they play a vital role in keeping the business running.

“The members plan and execute everything that’s happening around here,” she said.

“That’s really what this show is about — honoring them and giving them a space to be artists.”

FRANK represents about 100 member and consigning artists combined, all with varying styles, mediums and interests.

Though most of the gallery’s regular exhibits relate to a specific theme, “Let’s Be FRANK” focuses more on the diversity of the featured artists along with the artists themselves.

“It’s a chance for us to see one another’s work, as well as to show the public,” said Keith Allen, one of the artists being showcased.

“As members, we don’t always get to see that much of anyone else’s work, but with this show, we really get to see everything we haven’t before.”

Allen is one of FRANK’s original members and has remained active in its development.

After devoting over 20 years as a mathematics teacher, Allen decided to begin a career making wooden furniture.

“I’ve built almost anything you can imagine over the years,” he said. “I’ve been drawn to material with unique, natural characteristics. Some might call them flaws, but things with natural edges, cracks, all of it — I use and celebrate their qualities.”

While the members themselves are more the focus of this show, Gordon Jameson, the curator of the exhibit, worked to make it accessible for artists and attendees alike.

“To me (curating) is storytelling,” Jameson said. “The idea of curating an exhibit is to make each piece look good on its own, but also to make the room flow. If each of the groupings flows together, the show really reads like a visual story.”

Jameson serves as chairman of the gallery’s board of directors and is also one of its founding members. In addition to curating, he also has work displayed in the show.

“I have three acrylic paintings dealing with imagery I got from a trip to France last August,” he said. “It wasn’t what I expected, but it worked out very well. I’m now continuing to work in that style in my studio here.”

The exhibit had its opening reception Friday and will run until May 4. The art displayed will be available for purchase by those attending.

“This is what we call a collectors’ show,” Mishoe said. “The fact that there’s such a wide range of disciplines in one show gives us the opportunity to really showcase the different sides of FRANK, and all these wonderful things the artists are doing.”

arts@dailytarheel.com

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