Feathered Spectrum: A Colorful Avian Array by Roberta Smashey

November 6-25
Feathered Spectrum: A Colorful Avian Array by Roberta Smashey in the Display Case
Opening reception: Friday, November 6, 5:00-9:00 PM
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM & Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Feathered Spectrum: A Colorful Avian Array by Roberta Smashey in the Display Case

Roberta Smashey is a stained-glass artist creating both nature-themed and abstract works using the glass foiling technique developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. By utilizing hand-made glass sheets of various colors and textures, she produces dynamic depictions of the beauty found in nature. The variations in artisanal glass give a unique feeling of depth and movement with this challenging medium. Using the Tiffany technique coupled with the beauty of glass and a lifelong study of wildlife, Smashey seeks to evoke appreciation of our natural world in all who view her creations. Whenever possible, she adds antique glass repurposed from old church windows and often incorporates at least one feature made from the older glass.

In addition to her glass creations, Roberta is a nationally represented wildlife artist represented in several museum collections and fine art galleries. Besides using traditional acrylic painting methods, she creates many of her art works using a rather low-technology method: hand-mixed acrylic paint applied to canvas or museum board with toothpicks and sanded skewers. This semi-pointillism method produces a distinctive texture and appearance and enhances certain textures and colors. Using these techniques, she has produced a series of paintings that incorporate Braille messages, and all of the pointillism paintings are meant to be touched.