Minerva’s newly renovated, painted and spruced- up Market Street Art Spot will present “Family Ties, Two Genrations of Art and Craft”, the artwork of two generations of the McMahon Family who live near Minerva, in Homeworth in rural Columbiana County, Ohio.
Keith and Kate and their children, Jesse and Sarah, are all accomplished artists with each working in mostly different media.
Keith McMahon received an MFA in Sculpture from Kent State University and is retired from teaching art but devotes much of his time now to art and music. His artwork has shown nationally and internationally, and whether in stone, wood, steel, or mixed media, has always revolved around the interplay of materials and process. Most of his current work deals with issues of healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
Kate McMahon is a retired English professor, with a PhD. in Medieval Studies, and she and Keith live in Homeworth. She has been working with textiles and fibers since she was young, curious about the ways that color, process, and fiber interrelate. Recently her work has focused on classic Overshot patterns in weaving.
Kate commented that she finds that her plans become discoveries that happen as she weaves so that the result is both planned and spontaneous.
Keith and Kate’s daughter Sarah McMahon received her MFA in Textiles from Kent State University, and has shown her artwork both regionally and nationally. She works as a university art instructor and currently resides in Cleveland. The inclusion of cloth can be traced throughout the history of Sarah’s work. Whether the central component or incorporated into mixed media work, its connection to life and the body provides her endless inspiration and poetic association.
Sarah noted that after being introduced to hand-weaving by her mother Kate, she developed a concentration in and passion for all things textile.
Sarah said her current work often centers around concepts of memory, identity, and notions of “self.”
Jesse McMahon, the son of Keith and Kate, is an artist with a degree in philosophy and art. He is also a blacksmith and farrier and also resides in Homeworth.
Jesse pointed out that has always been interested in, and ultimately confused about the distinction between craft and art. He has read that art comes from the heart, whereas craft comes from the mind. But often he asks, “ what does that mean?”
In his creations, Jesse says has been trying to come to an understanding of this distinction, and claims that he is still confused.
The opening reception for “Family Ties, Two Generations of Art and Craft ” will take place at the Art Spot on Friday, March 8 , 2019 from 5 to 9pm.
Rock, Salt and Nails, a local acoustic band specializing in folk and bluegrass music and featuring Keith McMahon on several instruments, will provide live entertainment during the evening reception. For 97 consecutive months, the Art Spot has held a Featured Artist Opening reception showcasing the fine art work of local creative artists.
The Minerva Area Federal Credit Union will sponsor the March, 2019 opening reception and entertainment.
In addition to the McMahon Family’s artwork in the Front Gallery, the Art Spot will feature the works of the Art Spot’s Resident Artists Anna Rather (printmaker,painter), Joan Henninger (painter), Susan Crawford (illustrator,calligrapher) ,Michelle Mulligan ( oil painter), Laura Donnelly (potter, painter), Marty Chapman (woodturner), and Judith Singer (raku potter).
The Art Spot has showcased the work of its Resident Artists and featured local artists as well as 30 to 35 Display Artists from across Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York for over eight years.
The Market Street Art Spot at 217 North Market Street, Minerva, is a collaborative gallery and continues to be open for regular business on Fridays from 1pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
The display of “Family Ties,Two Generations of Art and Craft” in the Front Gallery will continue at the Art Spot through April 6, 2019.
As they have done for more than eight years, The Art Spot’s local volunteers, and Resident Artists will provide outstanding food and refreshments. As always, the reception, music and show are free and open to the public.
The Market Street Art Spot is a collaborating partner with Arts in Stark and Carroll County Arts, the Village of Minerva, Minerva Local Schools and the Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce.
For additional information or further comment contact:
Marty Chapman- 330-592-6306, email: lawmart1@gmail.com
