Local Art at the Library: Sue Johnson and Paula Washow

Throughout July, Sue Johnson is exhibiting her paintings in the Community Room Gallery and Paula Washow is exhibiting her assemblage sculpture in the Glass Case Gallery at the Spring Green Community Library during regular library hours:

• 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday
• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Paula Washow Artist Statement: “I discovered the tactile, malleable qualities of clay in 1991. I took a six-week evening class that resulted in a one-year study with a Wisconsin potter. Initially, I concentrated on learning how to use a potter’s wheel. This requires strength of hands and arms, and focus to center your clay on the wheel. Centering clay is one of the most important parts of throwing clay on a wheel. I relate the need to be focused and centered in life as in working with clay on a potter’s wheel.
Creating functional, utilitarian pieces of pottery is both practical and enjoyable. After my cupboards, friends and family members’ cupboards were full of bowls, cups, spoons, plates, teapots and vases, creative sculptures spoke to me. Sculptures allowed me the freedom to explore, design and express clay in a playful, creative way. Giving myself permission to create non-utilitarian art led to learning to make handmade paper from retired clothes/fabric in a Hollander mixer, which led to watercolor painting on the paper. The endless universe of creating art revealed itself. The origin of my eclectic art interests is the need for unnecessary pottery.”