Artist on Santa Fe Gallery features abstract paintings by Kathy Friesz and art glass by Helen Rudy in their exhibition entitled “Saturated”, on view July 3-27, 2024, at 747 Santa Fe Drive. Opening on First Friday, the public is also invited to an Artist Reception on July 19, 5-8 pm., and to stop by during regular gallery hours.
The show was conceived upon the pair becoming studio mates, discovering that their widely disparate mediums had amazing color palettes that worked surprisingly well together, starting visual conversations unlike any other. Rudy’s boldly colored art glass is configured into strong, satisfying shapes while Friesz’s painted works are presented in a softer style with a similar intensity of color. Working out of Prism Workspaces the two stumbled upon some remarkable wood remnants cut by a furniture maker. This inspired an exciting collaboration in which the wood pieces were incorporated into the show resulting in limited-edition creations that are best seen in person.
Friesz’s abstract paintings use bold colors and abstracted floral forms to envelop the senses. The layering and glazing of paint allow the beautiful elements to emerge organically. A Colorado native, Friesz studied interior design and graphic design at the Colorado Institute of Art. After 20 years of being the primary designer in her own firm she began painting and selling her work in local art shows. For more information visit kathymfriesz.com.
Rudy was first introduced to art glass by a friend while enduring the cold, dark winter in the mountains of Vail, where she become mesmerized by the myriad possibilities of color, form, texture and light transmission possible in the medium. Unlike blown glass, fused glass starts with cold glass that is hand-cut to the specific design. The glass is layered and melted in a kiln to set the design into one solid piece of glass. Subsequent melting at different temperatures allows the glass to be manipulated and shaped. Through the artistic and physical demands of glass work, Rudy was happy to find a creative way to channel her energies. For more information visit www.helenrudyglass.com.