Chit-Chat: Perusing creativity in downtown Geneva

Downtown Geneva shows off its creative side this weekend with its First Fridays Art Gallery Walk. The monthly walk regularly includes seven downtown Geneva galleries, all within walking distance of each other, hosting special events, artist show openings or live performances. Laura Crabtree-Hollenbeck, owner of Terra Cottage Pottery in downtown Geneva, has participated in the art walks for two years and will have her latest pieces on display at her shop throughout July.

Laura Crabtree-Hollenbeck, owner of Terra Cottage Pottery in Geneva, works in her shop. STAFF PHOTO BY MARK BUSCH.

What types of art media will be featured in your exhibit?
I’m going to have my latest watercolor paintings and terra cotta tiles on display. The hand-painted terra cotta tiles are backsplashes, of which some are for the interior and some for the exterior. I think, basically, the common thread between my pieces is diversity.

What can be expected from your shop during the First Fridays Gallery Walk in July?
We will offer my work but we’ll also encourage a studio setting within which others may try their hand, as well as collaborate on projects. We will continue to offer functional bisque “paint your own pottery” pieces, but will focus equally on relief clay tiles and watercolor and acrylic painting. We will feature numerous works for sale — ours and that of our talented regulars. People are welcome to come in and peruse the shop, and we’re available to answer any questions.

What are the benefits of taking part in the gallery walks as a store owner?
You sort of learn your market and you get to learn what people are looking for. The gallery walk is a welcome opportunity to share and inspire all endeavors past, present and future. Simply creating a painting in any medium can be very isolating, depending upon how many hours you put into it, and in my case that can be weeks, so to be open to an interested public is a nurturing gift. I strive to inspire others and in doing so, I am inspired as well.

Why did you open Terra Cottage Pottery?
People have always said that I’m trying to turn a craft into an art. I would take ceramic pieces, and take it a step forward and create paintings on it. Everyone has a certain capacity (to learn to create art). It’s fun to see people open their minds and see their excitement when they create something.
 

SEE THE EXHIBITS
WHAT Downtown Geneva’s First Fridays Art Gallery Walk; www.artgalleriesgeneva.com
WHERE Downtown Geneva; a “First Fridays” flag will be placed outside participating art galleries
WHEN 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3
HOW MUCH Free