December First Friday in the Galleries

Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn in Rockville is proud to present one three gallery exhibit for the month of December along with artists’ open studios. “trans•fer•ence – new prints by Adjoa Burrowes, Gail Shaw-Clemons, Sheila Crider, Cheryl Edwards, Pamela Lawton and Michelle Talibah” features the printmaking of six mid-career artists, creating a dynamic conversation among colleagues and friends. Each artist brings their own sensibility and perspective that alludes to the transfer of ideas that include cultural, environmental and identity issues, and is curated by Adjoa Burrowes. Words out Loud in the Compass Atelier, from 7-8pm with Philip Wexler, Joanne Rocky Delaplaine and Sally Wen Mao will be followed by an open mic. Resident artists’ open studios will round out the evening for visitors at Parklawn.

Artists & Makers Studios 2 on Wilkins Avenue in Rockville, just 9/10’s of a mile from the flagship location will present two exhibits in the main galleries for the month of November. “Flora” with renowned artist Teresa Oaxaca – will feature figurative oil paintings with a floral theme. Teresa’s work is about pleasing the eye. She paints light and the way it falls. Simple observation reveals beauty; often it is found in the unconventional. Because of this she has learned to take particular delight in unusual pairings of subject matter. Frequently her compositions are spontaneous. When a person comes to her, they occupy a space in her mind. Arrangements form from there until with excitement she sees and formulates the composition. The design is both planned and subconscious. For this reason she surrounds herself with Victorian and Baroque costume, bones, and other things which she finds fascinating – she wants subject matter to always be at hand. “Textiles and Lunatics: Constructing Dreams” with Sandra Pérez-Ramos fills the Merge Gallery. Utilizing rare plants, moonstruck characters, torn fabric and vinyl niches, artist Sandra Pérez-Ramos combines contemporary fiber artworks with whimsical illustrations in this exhibition about lost and found dreams. “A Cultural Tour of India” with Jim Auerbach of The Montgomery County Camera Club shows in their hallway gallery, along with a FireClay Pop-Up Gallery and Holiday Market Sale on the 3rd floor, and Gallery 209 on the second floor. Arthur Harrison adds acoustic ambience with theremin music, and the band Paradise Bill performs their psychedelic sets in the 3rd floor artists’ lounge, while resident artists’ open studios throughout the buildings will round out the evening.