Members' Gallery

The Arts Depot In Abingdon is showcasing four regional artists in the Members Gallery through July 23, 2004.

ROGER BURRESS is exhibiting in color 35mm photography. He is a Tazewell County native who moved to Pulaski County when he was in elementary school. He and his wife Adeline now live in Newbern, Virginia. Roger has only recently found the time to actively pursue his interest in photography. He became interested in photography during his childhood, when he would spend hours pouring over photographs in National Geographic and other magazines, thinking one day he wanted to be able to take photographs like those. Over the years, Roger taught himself about quality photography by observing others' photographs and studying books on the subject. Recently he has added the Internet as another source for his informal training. Last year Roger started using his talent to take photographs for his church's directory and scrapbooks. When he isn't taking photographs, he works full time as a welder and metal fabricator.

"Spring Wildflowers"
Photograph by Rober Burress

Wool weavings "Five Scarves"
John Gunther

JOHN GUNTHER of Abingdon, VA is exhibiting his diverse fiber art ranging from large wall hangings and floor coverings to utilitarian scarves. John designs and weaves hand dyed, hand woven, contemporary, wool. In 1975, he began using Ripsmatta weave, a Swedish and traditionally, symmetrical weave, that he has altered into an asymmetrical design which yields a striking contemporary appearance. By using hand dyed wool, the natural shifts of color gradation can be controlled which assists his contemporary style. He uses New Zealand wool known for its ability to take on dye with brilliance. The subtle harmonies in the shifting gradations of color and weave are interpretive representations of natural phenomena and reflect his continuing interest in landscapes, geographical locations, and space. "I love working with color and enjoy the creative freedom this technique allows me within the confines of a complex textile", John says. He works out of a large private studio on the outskirts of Abingdon.

SHEILA OSBORNE of Abingdon, VA, is exhibiting her oil paintings. Shelia has only been painting for about 2 1/2 years. During a time of stress in her life, she picked up a paintbrush and started to paint. Using just a few craft acrylic paints, and later oils, she painted 100 paintings the first year. Most of the paintings were landscapes, and most of the first paintings were given to friends and family. Shelia learned by trial and error, soon learning the techniques that work. After that, Shelia took some classes from Fred Morgan, a well-known 90 year old landscape painter in Bristol. Shelia paints pictures of places she would like to be. Her paintings give a feeling of peace and rest, something she feels everyone needs. She now combines the techniques she has learned from Mr. Morgan with her own techniques to paint works that are uniquely hers. Shelia also sings southern and country gospel music and has completed several CD's. She is a BMI songwriter, and is currently Female Vocalist Of the Year for the CGMA, Eastern Division. Shelia recently resigned her long time position as head nurse for Abingdon Healthcare For Women to devote more time to her music and art.

Oil painting "Spring Beauty"
Sheila Osborne

Oil painting "South Fork Holston Lake".
Julia Vanover

JULIA VANOVER of Abingdon, VA is sharing her oil paintings with the viewers. Julia graduated
from Roanoke College in commercial Art and specialized in printmaking for several years and then work ed as an artist for several years in Wise, VA. She later became involved in social and community issues and after receiving a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, she completed a MS degree in social work from the University of Tennessee. She pursued these interests further in Baltimore MD and has recently returned to her roots in Southwest Virginia. The highly developed artistic culture that Abingdon has to offer has renewed Julia's interest in the arts again. She is currently a hobby artist doing pen & ink, watercolor, oils and the occasional acrylic painting. Julia currently works for Smyth Counseling Center in Marion, VA,