Local Artist To Hold Opening Reception For New Exhibition At Guilford Free Library

GUILFORD, CT — Artist Eileen Clark will hold an opening reception for her solo exhibition, "All Mixed Up!," on Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St.

The exhibition runs from Feb. 1 through Feb. 27 and is free and open to the public during library hours. Visitors are advised to check the library’s Community Room program schedule to confirm room availability at the time of their visit. Clark also exhibits throughout the year at outdoor festivals and Guilford Art League exhibitions.

Clark’s work features an eclectic mix of vibrant colors and three-dimensional textures, incorporating found objects, thrift store items and natural materials into abstract and representational pieces. Her work includes scenes such as paper-flower gardens and autumn landscapes made with materials including Tyvek, brush bristles and tree bark.

A lifelong creator, Clark was previously known for her sea glass jewelry under the name "Odonata Seaglass."

Her current work continues to draw inspiration from nature. One recent piece, "Goddess of The Forest," was created using paper and combs from an abandoned bald-faced hornet nest that had grown under the eaves of her Guilford home.

"I could not wait for the cold weather to arrive. After several hard frosts the residents either move on or die. When it was safe to do so, I cut it down and stored it in my garage freezer for two weeks. I did not want to find any angry critters as I opened the nest," Clark said in a news release.

She dismantled the nest using tweezers and an X-Acto knife, revealing layers of paper created by the hornets from wood pulp and saliva. Additional materials in the piece include driftwood twigs, butterfly wings and feathers.

Clark said experimentation is central to her process, as she searches through collected materials to achieve specific textures and effects. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, which she said provided a foundation in color, design and composition, while her mixed-media techniques are self-taught.

"Once I decide to try something I am fiercely driven to figure it out. Occasionally, I do have to surrender and try to appreciate the ‘learning experience’ as I fill a trash bag with creative disaster!" she said.

Clark’s full portfolio is available at www.EileenClarkArt.com.