Botanicals & Blooms II
A Celebration of all things Floral and Botanical
May 4 – June 25, 2022
Opening Reception: May 20, 2022 5:00 – 8:00 pm
The exhibit features sculptural gourd vessels by Pat Berkbigler, photography by Ronald Krieger, oil paintings by Linda Layton, watercolors by Karen Romani and Marty Spears, and silver and stone jewelry by Adrienne Williams.
Pat Berkbigler - Sculptural Gourd Vessels
I have always been a nature lover and dabbled in various art forms throughout my life. I find turning hard shelled gourds that last a lifetime into sculptural vessels through carving, stippling, filigree, painting, pyrography, and more, to be intriguing, relaxing, and just plain fun. There always seems to be a new technique to be learned or created, keeping this art form both challenging and exciting.
Ronald Krieger - Photography
I am an 85 year old native Kirkwoodian, semi-retired from my family business there. My wife and I have traveled extensively and the photographs that I take are not only fond reminders of those trips but also artistic interpretations of what I see. In some ways, the choosing and photographing of any subject can’t always be taught. To be successful, one must have a “natural eye” and a good imagination and i have told that this is my talent.
I consider myself a traditionalist, that is I do not manipulate or alter my shots. I currently shoot with an old Canon EOS/TS camera and my photos are printed and in this case put on canvas, by Grafica in Webster Groves. After submitting a photo-slide to “France Today” Magazine back in 1985, I was selected to have it printed on the front cover of an upcoming issue. Unfortunately that publication went defunct the next month and my photo “Early Morning – Pre-Gilbert” was not published. However, the fact that it was accepted, encouraged me to submit entries to other magazines and local art shows.
My big break came in 2000 when my photo “Face Lift” was selected as a first prize winner in “National Geographic Traveler Magazine”. The prize was a $17,000 trip for two to the Eastern Mediterranean. I have exhibited in many St. Louis Artists’ Guild shows, many local church juried shows. Gourmet Magazine, Islands Magazine and two Kirkwood Arts Commission shows. I currently have photos exhibited at the United Missouri Bank in Kirkwood and at Kirkwood United Methodist Church.
Linda Layton -Oil
I graduated from the College of Charleston, SC with an art degree and an award as the outstanding artist of my graduating class. Then life took a turn with family and a career as a first grade teacher. Now I am back painting, showing and selling my work. This year my work will be displayed at the St Louis Art Fair. I will be one of the artists you’ll find in the Emerging Artist Tent.
Karen Romani - Watercolor
I have always been drawn to everything creative. My interest started with sewing and embroidery but, while taking art classes in high school, I discovered all the joys of painting and sculpting. My life took several detours in my early life. After studying physical therapy and getting
married, I became too busy to develop my interest in art. After practicing for 35 yrs. and raising 3 beautiful children, I felt it was time to follow the road calling me everyday.
I was lucky enough to encounter a wonderful watercolor teacher who encouraged me toward my wonderful adventure in the world of art. That was 10 yrs ago. Since then, I’ve joined an artist Guild, becoming president. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn next to the some of the greatest artists. I’ve had success in competitions and sales. I hope to continue to learn and engage in many more art experiences in the years to come.
Marty Spears - Watercolor
I began painting in transparent watercolors in the early 1980’s when I studied at the Herzfeld School of Art in Wiesbaden, Germany. My technique has evolved over the years from simply painting directly from photographs and creating “photorealism” paintings, to inserting my own imagination and creativity into the process. When I work with transparent watercolors, I am reminded that the world around us is filled with various textures, colorful creatures and beautiful places. I begin a piece with a particular idea that may totally change once I see what the first wash of water and paint has created on the paper. When people see my work, I’d like them to enjoy the excitement and intensity of the color yet feel the solitude and tranquility of the piece.
