Artists during the Soviet era created many works that adhered to the party line. But as artists are wont to do, they quietly created other works that featured friends, family and landscapes. This exhibition shows the remarkable variety and talent of these artists, ranging from the 1920's through the 1980's. "Russian Realism" is on display in the Rouse Gallery at Howard Community College through January 31st.

The Rouse Foundation Gallery at HCC

Jamie Merlavage is a Western Maryland artist who uses fabric, yarn and paint to create a bevy of unusual and fun dolls. Puzzles and brainteasers are another interest of hers. Taking the pieces of something and reconstructing it is fun, and is Jamie's inspiration for Fripperies. As an adult, this interest translated into a BFA in Art and Design. In her professional life, Jamie is a graphic designer. She approaches every project as a puzzle with all its various elements needing to be brought together in some coherent, attractive and unified piece. This is how she creates her unique collection of dolls known far and wide as Fripperies. Jamie says she knows this is what she is supposed to do. She feels very lucky to have found this path and to have had opportunities continually appear that keep her going. Making dolls is her reward for finishing everything else a normal day requires. It is Jamie's time to get her hands involved with something real that isn't attached to a computer! It has no value, other than making her happy. Therefore, Jamie calls her creations Fripperies. She found frippery in a thesaurus, where amongst other definitions were, showy, frivolous, and nonessential. It fits perfectly.

Fripperies

Vibrant. Dynamic. Abstract. These are just a few words to describe the soulful artwork of Alicia Ashley-Weathersby. Artistry is in Alicia's blood. Her two sisters work in fine art and graphic design. Creating something from nothing, she follows in the footsteps of her father, John, who constantly found unique ways to turn everyday objects into art. She began her career as a "primitive" artist making jewelry. Freed from the constraints of conventional techniques, Ms. Ashley is able to uniquely convey her need to express herself. Her collages combine conventional materials yet incorporate new mediums usually reserved for use in her jewelry work. Her technique of collage is a combination of mixed media: metal, wire, textured paint and bits of paper, that marry to create a rare, three dimensional effect. She favors working in collage as it combines all aspects of her life and brings her to a place of peace and contentment.

Alicia Weathersby

Mark Mosley created a 3/4 piece jazz group that follows in the legacy of the innovators of jazz. Mark has toured Spain with Lou Donaldson, worked with Gary Bartz, Keter Betts, and others. He is a former 82nd airborne paratrooper with over 25 jumps. In the past he has appeared at Blues Alley, and now performs every Saturday night at the Sala Thai restaurant, 1301 U Street NW, Washington, DC.

Mark Mosley

This week's Salon Art is from the Maryland Pastel Society. Currently, they are showing a Members-Only exhibition at the Glenview Mansion in Rockville. The Maryland Pastel Society offers continued education through workshops and a peer critique so that regional artists can better their work. The Members-Only Exhibition is on view through January 30. The Glenview Mansion is located at 603 Edmonston Drive in Rockville.

Maryland Pastel Society

On ArtChat This Week, Nate and Rhea discuss their holiday art related activities. 2007 is turning out to be a banner year for the Baltimore Shakespeare Theater after recieving an anonymous gift of one million dollars to create an endowment fund. And the folks over at the Chesapeake Arts Center want to kick off the new year with what they describe as “the best theater deal in town”, four shows for $38 dollars for center members and $48 dollars for everyone else. The bargin prices are available through Jan. 21st.