METALSUM

Art Inspired by Nature & Imagined Through Found Objects

METALSUM brings together rustic metal sculptures and metal quilts by Putney artist Jane Kolias, built from discarded objects gathered from antique shops, thrift stores, scrap yards, rural roadsides, woodland walks, and the occasional kitchen drawer. Each piece begins with an idea but evolves as the salvaged components suggest new possibilities. Kolias generally leaves her finished sculptures unpainted, so the original character and weathered surfaces of the materials remain visible.

The exhibition also introduces a newer dimension of her practice: vibrant metal quilts made from vintage cookie tins. These works draw on traditional quilt patterns while bringing color into her design work.

On view at NXT Gallery through November 8. The gallery is open during Next Stage events and by appointment with the artist.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I create rustic metal art from abandoned and discarded objects salvaged from antique and thrift stores, scrap yards, rural roadsides, forays into the woods, and occasionally my own kitchen drawers. My design inspiration comes from nature, the creativity of fellow artists, and the found objects themselves. Although I begin each project with a design in mind, the artwork evolves naturally as new components are added. The process becomes fluid and dynamic…creating a synergistic partnership between myself and the various components. This often results in an end product that rarely resembles my original design. I love that element of surprise and serendipity. Occasionally I will apply paint, but I prefer to leave completed pieces unpainted. This maintains their rustic appearance.

Metal quilting is a new endeavor for me. I use traditional quilt patterns for design inspiration and colorful cookie tins as a base material. This invites me to bring the dynamics of color into my design work.

GENERAL BIOGRAPHY

Jane Kolias is a lifelong artist who has worked across theater, dance, costume design, textiles, landscape art, stonework, and hardscaping. Her practice has included community theater and cabaret, competitive ballroom dance, costume and wardrobe design, interior and textile arts, quilting, rug hooking, painting, needlepoint, and other crafts. She studied stonewall construction at The Stone Trust and developed her skills in hardscaping and rock garden design.

Her recent focus on metalwork, including jewelry making, metal fabrication, welding, and metal quilting, brings together decades of creative experience in a body of work that is playful, inventive, and rooted in craftsmanship.

Born in New Hampshire, Kolias lives in Putney, Vermont, and has maintained a lifelong connection to the arts as both an artist and a teacher

The Next Stage Gallery is open during events, and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at info@nextstagearts.org or (802) 387-0102.