"Botanical Forms" Art Exhibit at Lebanon Valley College Features Local Artists

Exhibit opens Friday, May 11 at Lebanon Valley College's Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery

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ANNVILLE, PA (04/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Lebanon Valley College's Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery will feature the sculptural work of local artists Karen Rich Beall and Deborah Sigel in the exhibit "Karen Rich Beall & Deborah Sigel: Botanical Forms." The exhibit opens Friday, May 11 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.

"Botanical Forms" combines the two artists' vastly different approaches to producing sculptural work based on the organic beauty of plant forms. Beall works in "domestic" materials like yarn, string, wire and craft supplies while Sigel uses Egyptian paste, a type of clay, and steel to create her colorful pieces. Beall begins her process by collecting plant samples from nature and drawing them in a journal. Sigel, on the other hand, is interested in creating precise organic forms based on mathematics. Plant life and natural forms fascinate both artists. Beall's work seeks to exaggerate botanical forms in a whimsical manner while Sigel's pieces are minimalistic abstractions of more complex plant shapes.

Beall is a sculpture instructor at Lebanon Valley College and works on her pieces at home. Sigel teaches ceramics at Millersville University and creates her pieces in her studio at the university.

Beall will conduct a nature nournaling workshop for young adults ages 13-18 Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She will briefly describe her work in the gallery as well as the basics of nature journaling. Students will use a pencil, paper, and magnifying glass to take a closer look at the beauty of the natural world. Registration is required to attend. Registration information is available at gallery@lvc.edu or 717-867-6445.

Beall and Sigel will present an artist talk on Saturday, June 9 at 10 a.m. in conjunction with the exhibit. The talk is free and open to the public and will be held in the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery.

Gallery hours are Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and by appointment for groups. Schools and other organizations are encouraged to contact the Gallery for a guided visit. Additional information is available at www.lvc.edu/gallery, gallery@lvc.edu, or 717-867-6445. "Karen Rich Beall & Deborah Sigel: Botanical Forms" closes June 24, 2012. The next exhibit, "Selections for the Permanent Collection," will open July 7.