Jewelry by Ellen Bretz, paintings by Liz Pusmucans-Rossetti and prints by Nancy Deplatchett will be on display from June 28th through August 29th. There will be a public reception for the exhibits on Sunday, July 10th, from 7pm to 9pm.

Fused Glass Jewelry by Ellen Bretz

In the front room display case.

My journey in glass began about fifteen years ago with a beginner stained glass class that my neighbor and I attended on a whim. Immediately I was hooked on glass and its unlimited possibilities, unlike other crafts I’d attempted. Many classes later after trying different techniques, fused glass and jewelry became my new passion. The resulting jewelry pieces are a combination of skills learned from a variety of previous crafts, and a commitment to learn more and fine tune my glass artistry.

Fused glass is an ancient craft that has moved into our present time with tools and techniques that thankfully don’t require a lifetime to master. Glass with compatible coefficients is melted (fused) in a kiln at about 1500 degrees. After it’s cooled I analyze the melted pieces to see if any or all have artistic possibilities. Sometimes multiple cuttings and firings are required before I’m satisfied with the results and decide to make it into jewelry.

The next challenge in making a beautiful creation is to let the natural colors and textures of the glass determine what wire to use and how to best highlight that beauty. Most of the wire used in my jewelry is gold-filled or sterling silver of different gauges. A few pieces use copper.

Lately I have become interested in wiring unusual fossils and the cut and polished rocks I inherited from my father who was a lapidarist. Two of my pieces include large beads made by a friend using a technique called “hot glass” – using a torch to melt and form glass. You’ll also see small commercial glass or seed beads used as accents. Otherwise, all the glass shown is handmade by me.

Pieces may be purchased by contacting me at . I hope you enjoy the exhibit and will consider looking at glass objects as art and perhaps make a decision to try your hand at it.

My Life’s Abstract Canvas by Liz Pusmucans-Rossetti

In the front room.

My interest in art began as a child. I was introduced to Saturday art classes at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York and attended well into my teens. We had free reign in the halls of the gallery before it opened. We toured the gallery as a class and were exposed to the wonderful collection of well-known artists and sculptors.

I have pursued classes throughout my adult life. And as a recent newcomer to this area I have started taking classes through the Smithsonian associate program in various media, which has rejuvenated a new approach to my style.

It has only been in the last 10 years that I have seriously pursued my art. I presented my work in a 2005 gallery opening in Seneca Falls, NY and at last year’s summer Seneca Falls Art Show.

My collection of today depicts a portfolio which transcends the different periods within my life. Through a recent personal transition, my art gave me the stability to move forward. As the colors brightened, my world became a new place, a vision of colorful clarity.

Scapes by Nancy Deplatchett

In the back room.

Nancy Deplatchett current body of work is entitled “Scapes.” It includes a series of monoprints depicting landscapes, seascapes, and skyscapes. Her work is inspired by her travels around the world and encounters with places of beauty.

Nancy has received two National Endowment for the Humanities summer grants, was named one of the Outstanding Women In The Arts by the Women’s Commission of Maryland, and one of the Women of Achievement in Prince George’s County History. Nancy taught elementary art in Puerto Rico and retired from the Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland where she taught visual arts in middle and high school. She helped to open Thomas Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School where she served as Arts Coordinator for 13 years. During this time she was honored as one of the county’s Outstanding Teachers and also received the Outstanding Educator Award from the County chamber of Commerce.

Nancy has presented at numerous conferences, held workshops for various school systems and served as keynote speaker at several events around the country. She has also presented several workshops for the Kennedy Center’s Professional Development Opportunities For Teachers series.

She has acted as a consultant to various school systems including the American School In San Paulo, Brazil, Alexandra Public Schools in Virginia, and Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. She also spoke to the arts community in Montevideo, Uruguay, as the guest speaker of the American Embassy.

Her graduate and undergraduate work was done at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Maryland. Throughout her career as a visual artist Nancy has pursued many styles and mediums.