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“Art at the
Mill” exhibit celebrates local people
Works of art by Dayton native John Landsiedel will be “On and Off the
Wall” at historic Bear's Mill's Clark Gallery from May 13 through June
26. Landsiedel calls himself a “chameleon artist” whose work changes to
fit his mood as well as his exhibit site; this show featuring both two-
and three-dimensional pieces featuring a local Darke County emphasis
will open with an informal reception on Friday, May 13. Sweet and
savory finger food provided by The Merchant House plus drinks will be
offered from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.; the artist will speak about his
diverse work, methods, and inspirations at 7 p.m. This event is free
and open to the public.
“John's unbounded creativity is exciting and inspirational; he creates
diverse relatable work that just begs to go home with you,” said Marti
Goetz, Executive Director of Friends of Bear's Mill. “He uses anything
and everything in his creations, including many objects that have been
discarded by others; we are eagerly anticipating seeing these lively,
thoughtful pieces enhancing our rustic setting,” Ms. Goetz concluded.
John Landsiedel says that his work is motivated and inspired by people,
and that he hopes his art takes the viewer to new and far places. In
this show, the world traveler remembers and commemorates two Darke
Countians who he believes changed his life. One is Dr. H.C. Van Kirk,
born in Greenville in 1908, who delivered the artist into this world
and remained his close friend until the doctor's death in 1997.
According to Mr. Landsiedel, Dr. Van Kirk isolated folic acid and
originated the work used by Jonas Salk to develop the polio vaccine.
The second Darke Countian Landsiedel honors with this exhibit is his
fourth grade teacher, Mrs. King, who the former student says “showed us
how to dream.” Mrs. King also introduced him to Darke County native
Annie Oakley, who the artist will put at center stage for this exhibit
so that Annie's incredible and well-lived life can be recalled and
serve as a model yet today. “We cannot go forward without remembering
our past, and Darke County has a very rich past,” said the thoughtful
artist who used repurposed materials found in Darke County while
creating many of the works to be displayed.
The show will also include photo collages of current Darke Countians;
he calls this effort “Series of Movers Shakers and Doers,” and hopes
that the friends, neighbors, and acquaintances of those depicted will
enjoy viewing these pieces. “I want people to take home art; they will
be taking home history,” Mr. Landsiedel stated. To further this cause
as well as to encourage people to come out to meet him, John will offer
all the work on display at half price during the opening night
reception only.
The gloriously colorful work of painter Donna Pierce Clark and glass
blower Jack Pine will remain on display at the Mill through Sunday May
8. “Art At the Mill” is on view during regular Mill store hours, 11
a.m. till 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. till 5 p.m.
Sundays. Historic Bear's Mill is owned and 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.
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