FARMINGTON – A new art exhibit featuring four talented local artists is on display at the Farmington Public Library. It’s a diverse display of canvas, various metals, recycled material, live plants and eggs. Although each artist works with different mediums to create their unique works, they have one thing in common: They are family.
The exhibition is the library’s first show in several years.
Lisa Laflin, owner of Wears & Wares, gives old items a new purpose. Her inspiring display includes upcycled pieces, textile art and canvas paintings. Among the pieces is a yellow old license plate that has been transformed into a bright, succulent flowerpot. Customers are invited to pick up “Altered Book,” a dictionary of American artists whose pages have been transformed with collage, ribbon, ink and more.
“I am inspired by reusing things and giving them new life,” Lisa said in an interview with Mt. Blue Public Television during the show’s opening on August 8.
Her husband, Brent Laflin, a trained sculptor, works with metal parts and pieces to create distinctive creations. His work invites curious viewers to marvel at the various tools, scraps and parts used. Happy Critter has a shovel head for a head. Catch of the Day is sculpted from rebar, a shovel head and a saw blade.
Brent said, “My inspiration comes from what I see. How do I make something out of an old pipe wrench? What does it want to be?”
Lisa’s sisters Barbara Toner and Chris Warren also exhibit work. Warren’s exhibition includes colorful acrylic paintings of recognizable local landscapes. Toner exhibits detailed Ukrainian decorated eggs.
“Everyone has creative energy within them,” Lisa said. “It should be used to bring people together to celebrate and create happier places and creative spaces.”
Brent added: “Art allows us to be who we are, it allows us to be human. I believe we need to use that ability not only for ourselves but also in interaction with other people in the community.”
To support the library, raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the exhibit. Prizes include “Clearwater Clouds” by Chris Warren, “Happy Critter” by Brent Laflin, and a gift certificate to Wears & Wares. Tickets are $1 each or 10 for $5. All proceeds benefit the Farmington Public Library.
Wears & Wares also accepts consignment items on behalf of the Farmington Public Library. Just indicate that the proceeds of your shipments will benefit the library.
The exhibition will be on display from August to October and is open to the public during regular library hours. For more information, visit the library website.
