Historic Bears Mill
Bear’s Mill to showcase prints and pots 

One of a kind hand-pulled prints plus pastel paintings by Bellbrook resident Andrea Starkey will be paired with wood-fired clay vessels created by Patrick Rademaker of Louisville, Kentucky at “Art at the Mill” during the month of June. The art exhibit at historic Bear's Mill will open on Friday, May 31 with an artists' reception from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.; light hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served The artists will speak briefly at 7 p.m., outlining their personal histories and revealing their motivations and goals. “These artists create subtle forms which make bold statements; their unique work will add a vibrant presence to the Mill's rustic gallery space surrounded by the beauty of nature,” said Julie Clark, retail manager and gallery coordinator for Bear's Mill. 

Andrea Starkey began working as a commercial artist in 1990, but decided to drop the “commercial” from her title in 2009 when she began showing her pastels in juried competitions. Her atmospheric nature-inspired paintings utilize layering to explore the effects of light on the landscapes she creates on canvas. The artist says that she attempts to capture similar imagery in her printmaking, although the process is much more complex, requiring hours of planning, carving, inking, and pulling multiple impressions to achieve a satisfying result. 

A recent graduate of the University of Louisville, Patrick Rademaker works in a style that keeps him physically involved in all aspects of the development of his wood-fired creations. Patrick formulates his own clay and builds his own kilns where he interprets the results of firings and then actively responds to those results to capture and enhance the end product so that it satisfies the creator and speaks clearly to the viewer. He aims for his utilitarian vessels to forge a relationship with others, inspiring continued interaction and subtly connecting the narrative of the potter's process to the ultimate user of the piece. 

Contemporary pottery based on the historic art of whiskey vessels by Julie Clark, Rita Wiley, Loretta Wray, and Dionne Fleming and watercolors by beloved Tipp City artist Roger Haas remain on display at Bear's Mill through May 26. “Art At the Mill” receives funding from the Ami McClurkin Community Fund, held by the HOPE Foundation of Darke County, and also has received support from Darke County Endowment for the Arts. The art exhibit is on view during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. Historic 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.