01/06/2011-02/04/2011
From January 6 through February 4, the Allegany Arts Council's Saville Gallery will feature found object sculpture by Sally Colby and paintings by Lisa Mundy. An opening reception for this exhibition will be held on Saturday, January 8 from 6-8PM. The opening reception is free and open to the public. For additional information, please call 301-777-ARTS (2787).

Sally Colby creates her whimsical robot-like sculptures from found objects. A self proclaimed Tinker, Sally claims she is “inspired by a long time love of kitsch and other old stuff”. Sally’s artwork is a combination of recycling and child’s play. “Most of my robot sculptures are built with vintage items,” says Sally. “I especially love to use old meters, cameras, flashlights and other cool old things. But I also occasionally incorporate anything that fits or looks right even if it is brand new. None of my pieces have any working electronics. There are so many items that no longer have a modern day purpose, but are well made or well designed. It's enjoyable to take those things and give them a new purpose, even it is just to make someone smile.” Her life long interest in the arts and the creative process, as well as her sense of humor, and ability to be a discerning scavenger, have all helped to guide her sense of design. “I have always felt driven to make things for as long as I can remember. I've tried a few times to create an evil robot, but some how they always come out looking benevolent or cute. Maybe it’s because when I'm working I feel that I've returned to my childhood.”

Lisa Mundy is a self-taught artist who came to painting ten years ago after a career in the energy industry, where she worked with oil in tankers, pipelines and refineries. Nowadays she works with oil on canvas, creating abstract paintings which combine vibrant color and rich texture in unique pieces that seem to radiate energy. A native of Washington, DC, Lisa lived abroad for nine years in Europe and Asia before recently finding the perfect art studio in eastern Allegany County. She derives inspiration for her work from the colors of nature, dreams and intuition. In her spare time, Lisa volunteers as a Master Gardener with the University of Maryland Extension and serves as an Election Judge.