Artist Reception at Art Uptown March 26

“Pause for Pots and Paws” at Art Uptown March 5 to April 2

Decorative clay pots and “Whimsicats” created by Sarasota clay artist Boots Culbertson will be featured in a one-woman show called “Pause for Pots and Paws” from March 5 to April 2 at Art Uptown on lower Main Street in Sarasota. An artist reception with refreshments will be hosted by the gallery at 1367 Main St. on March 26, 6-8 p.m.

Boots received formal training in art and biology, earning a graduate degree in medical illustration from the University of Illinois Medical School. She has produced medical and botanical illustrations for many scientific publications. But, fascinated with three-dimensional work, she turned to clay for creative expression, she related.

After an apprenticeship with renowned Sarasota potter and sculptor Frank Colson, Boots started her career in clay and has become known for her evolving series of playful “Whimsicats.” Many of these loveable creations will be included in her show at Art Uptown.

She tries to capture energy from the environment in her works. “For me, it is exciting to feel I have responded to my environment, catching some of its energy in the forms I create, then to see that energy returned, full cycle, into the environment of others through these forms,” she explained. “It is a way of re-sensitizing us all to our environment. It is a way of life, and it is very exciting.”

She has built her own pottery wheels and kilns, and she mixes all her own glazes, she noted. Her unique works, ranging from smaller functional and decorative pieces to large fountains, sinks and garden art, are found in private and public collections throughout the USA and abroad. She also creates elegant funeral urns on commission.

Boots has taught wheel-throwing and clay work at the Colson School of Art, New College and Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, as well as in her Sarasota studio, for over 25 years, while producing winning work of her own.

ABOUT ART UPTOWN

Art Uptown is Sarasota’s oldest cooperative fine art gallery, representing the work of nearly 30 local artists. Abstract, realistic and expressionistic work covers the creative gamut – from painting, photography, colored pencil works and digital art to fine art pottery, unique ceramic works, sculpture, fiber art, mixed media and works in wood and stained glass.

The gallery is open Monday-Friday, 11-5, and Saturday, 10-4. On April 2, during the First Friday Gallery Walk on Palm and Main streets, the works of Boots Culbertson and those of the other Art Uptown member artists will be on display during extended evening hours, 6-9, when many of the artists are will be on hand to discuss their work. Telephone: 941-955-5409. www.artuptown.com.

ATTACHED PHOTOS:

Boots Culbertson in Studio.jpg – Sarasota clay artist Boots Culbertson turns out a piece for her one-woman show at Art Uptown in March.

Whimsicats.jpg – The artist has become known for her evolving series of playful “Whimsicats.”

Whimicats2.jpg – Loveable Whimsicat is a creation in clay by Boots Culbertson.


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