Whimsical mixed-media sculptures mix edgy, playful

Exhibit opens at CMC ArtShare Gallery Oct. 11

When Janet Nelson started looking for sculptures to include in her upcoming show at the CMC ArtShare Gallery, she was drawn to her more unusual pieces.

“Tropical Fish,” a wire sculpture from Janet Nelson, is part of an exhibit on display Oct. 4-Jan. 2 at the CMC ArtShare Gallery in Glenwood Springs.
“Tropical Fish,” a wire sculpture from Janet Nelson, is part of an exhibit on display Oct. 4-Jan. 2 at the CMC ArtShare Gallery in Glenwood Springs.

“I have a dark humor and I have a silly side,” said Nelson. “This show is a reflection of me. The pieces will be a mix of dark and edgy and silly and playful.”

From Oct. 4 through Jan. 2 Nelson’s wire and mixed-media sculptures, whimsical creations of both animals and people, will be shown at the CMC ArtShare Gallery in downtown Glenwood Springs. The free public opening is Oct. 11.

To create each sculpture, Nelson uses materials such as hand-knotted wire and other mixed media. She said the materials she uses are often left at her door by neighbors.

“It allows me to experiment with materials I wouldn’t normally use,” she said.

“Juju Dancer,” a painted driftwood assemblage from Janet Nelson, is part of an exhibit on display Oct. 4-Jan. 2 at the CMC ArtShare Gallery in Glenwood Springs.
“Juju Dancer,” a painted driftwood assemblage from Janet Nelson, is part of an exhibit on display Oct. 4-Jan. 2 at the CMC ArtShare Gallery in Glenwood Springs.

Although she said the usual materials her neighbors bring are wire, mesh and metals, she occasionally gets an odd item like a one-armed mannequin. The mannequin became an inspiration for one of her pieces, “Wasp Woman,” which she covered with wasp paper.

She said the wire shapes allow the viewer to participate in completing the form, similar to the way a minimal line drawing works.

“It’s like drawing in the air,” she said. “They are partial images that leave the rest to the imagination, which can be much more powerful than a fully formed piece.”

Nelson, who is based in Carbondale, has been a working artist for more than 20 years and has exhibited her work in galleries in the Southwest and California, as well as in valley shows in Aspen, Basalt, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale and at the Ann Korologos Gallery.

In addition to her wire artwork, Nelson also paints and makes ceremonial clothing and robes.

The exhibit will be on display Oct. 4-Jan. 2 at the CMC ArtShare Gallery at 802 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs. The gallery’s winter hours are weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Note that the gallery is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (and the afternoon before) and New Year’s Day (and the afternoon before).

An opening reception is set for Friday, Oct. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

The ArtShare Gallery is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 947-8367 or visit cmcartshare.com.