Bears Mill...
Art Show Drawings & Sculptures inspire a second look 
June 13, 2012 

Lynn Retson’s graphite drawings and wood sculptures by Thomas Bartel will be featured in the upcoming “Art at the Mill” exhibit opening Friday, June 29 with an artists’ reception from 6 till 9 p.m. According to Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for historic Bear’s Mill, the artists bring sophisticated styles to their seemingly straightforward work. “Their work is pleasing and accessible, but you soon discover there’s much more than immediately meets the eye,” Ms. Clark explained. “Tom’s wood sculptures are abstract, yet realistic; Lynn’s drawings depict ordinary landscapes, but inspire a second – and third – look,” the Mill spokesperson said. The exhibit will close on Sunday, July 22. 

Lynn Retson was born in Cincinnati and now resides in Porter, Indiana. Her frequent drives through rural landscape intrigued and inspired her to capture the poetic beauty she sees from her car window. Many viewers are amazed to discover that these highly detailed graphite and black pastel drawings are not black and white photographs. “People say that their drives through the countryside are boring, that there’s nothing to see,” says the artist. “My work reminds you to pay attention to what is usually overlooked,” she concludes. 

Sculptor Thomas Bartel, high school art teacher at Richmond, Indiana, takes his central inspiration from his family, but trees that “rise to the heavens representing the splendor and wonder of the world” also inspire his work. Tom says that wood is one of the most fertile materials on earth, embodying every characteristic known to mankind. “The strength and grandeur of a tree, its quietness and grace – these also represent the qualities of the human race and embody all God’s creation,” Tom believes. “The texture of the wood is my outlet for expression,” he states. 

“The Bird Show” featuring Bruce Neckars’ drawings and paintings and the wood carvings of Geoff Davis will remain on display at Bear’s Mill through Sunday, June 24. “Art At the Mill” receives support from Darke County Endowment for the Arts; the exhibits are on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Bear’s Mill is operated by Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization, and is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.