Songs of the Soul:
The Work of Barbara Kohl-Spiro

July 29–October 14, 2007

left to right: Barbara Kohl-Spiro, Ode to Despina, mixed media, 10 x 12 1/8"; Starry Night, mixed media, 19 3/4 x 23"; Twins II, mixed media, 26 3/4 x 31 3/4". photos: Robin Krauss

Barbara Kohl-Spiro experiences the world through a series of patterns. She is inspired by the steadily repeating forms she witnesses in nature and in textiles; and through the social patterns of the family; a mother and her child, a child and her dolls. These patterns are splendidly illustrated in Kohl-Spiro's watercolor paintings as she weaves elements of ancestry and graphic detail into complex imagery. The Milwaukee artist is influenced by a variety of sources including the joy within Matisse's paintings, the compositions of the Gee's Bend Quilts, and the experimentation and love of process she sees in the work of Wisconsin artist Mary Nohl. Experience the artist's eye for pattern and explore mixed media collage by participating in her upcoming workshop "Exploring Patterns with an Artist's Eye," on October 20th! Tuition is $45, $38 for members. Call the Arts Center to register at 920.458.6144. The workshop will take place at the ARTspace at the Shops at Woodlake in Kohler.

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