MadLab Gallery presents Nature and Nurture: Works by Melinda Cross and Kat Frissora

Opening: May 10th, 5-7pm
Show Dates: May 3rd-31st

MadLab Gallery is proud to present the “Nature and Nurture” show featuring selected works by local artists Melinda Cross and Kat Frissora. Working in different mediums, both artists favor using bright colors and abstracted organic shapes. They have a shared inspiration source from things scientific like cellular plant structures to recurring patterns and organic geometry. Their manipulation of naturalistic images is reminiscent of the eternal debate between Nature versus Nurture and which has more impact on the final outcome. With their skilled depictions as evidence, it is clear that it is a combination of both.

Melinda Cross is a recent graduate of The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. Her printmaking has been showcased all over Ohio as well as in Georgia and Illinois. Cross’s use of historical techniques, especially marbling and hand-crafted papermaking, is combined with printmaking in order to translate her ideas into a contemporary context. Asked to describe her process, Cross said “It’s like painting on water. Once the pigment is on the surface it changes based on several variables. It is up to me to adapt and improvise. The process of creation is like a conversation or a performance; the idea I have going into it may be modified by the process.”

Kat Frissora is a recent graduate of Capital University in Columbus, OH where she has earned two degrees: a B.A. in art and art therapy and a B.S.N. in nursing. Focusing on painting for this show, Frissora has created a body of work that features semi-abstracted plant life on top of wonderfully rendered abstract patterns. Her primary materials are acrylic on board or hand stretched canvases. The deliberate nature of her working method belies the lyrical attitude of her paintings. Drawing on her art therapy background, Frissora states that the “process is even more important than the product because creation is self-therapy.”

In short, both Cross and Frissora embrace nature and nurture it into what they want it to be with their masterful techniques.

Nature and Nurture: Works by Melinda Cross and Kat Frissora runs from May 3 through May 31. It is in conjunction with the MadLab Theater’s annual production of Theatre Roulette. MadLab Gallery is free and open to the public during theatre show times and by appointment. To set an appointment, contact the gallery via e-mail at madlabgallery@madlab.net. Learn more about the gallery at www.myspace.com/madlabgallery.

MadLab Gallery for artists for Video Film Fest

Opening: November 8th, Time TBD
Submission Deadline: October 1st

We are now accepting submissions for our first Video Film Fest to be held Saturday, November 8, 2008 at MadLab. This is an event to showcase your clips for one night only with your work presented in our theater space. That means a large screen, great sound, comfy seating and the ability to mingle with festival goers either before or after the screenings!

Please submit your video via DVD with an attached artist statement. You can also use the regular Jury Form from our website in a pinch! The non-returnable DVD must be sent to ATTN: MadLab VIDEO FILM FEST c/o MadLab Gallery, 105 N Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 by October 1, 2008. Videos should be no longer than 20 minutes. If you have questions, please contact us at madlabgallery@madlab.net.

MadLab Gallery Press

The Mark & Dan Show (5/07) - Columbus Alive

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The MadLab Gallery Mission

Our mission is to promote use of the gallery as an integral part of the mission of The MadLab Theatre.

Because the Theatre's mission is committed to expanding the parameters of contemporary performance, a theatre art gallery must be more specifically tuned in to its activities than the independent art museum. With its special responsibility to the patrons of both the theatre and the visual arts it should provide programs to enrich the experience of both. It should be willing to experiment, expand horizons and explore concepts in depth.