Viewers can celebrate their beautiful imperfections with artist Kevin Firme from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts in the Miller Beach section of Gary.
That’s when the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District will host an Artist’s Reception for Firme, who currently has 38 drawings and 28 sculptures on display at the Center.
Firme, who did his undergraduate work at DePaul University, and did graduate studies in sculpture and painting in upstate New York and at Notre Dame University in South Bend, is currently presenting studies of water plants (Aroid Arum). These plants grow in the great marsh.
Sample of what Aroid Arum’s plants look like
“I like the leaves and their relationship to the stems,” he explained. “The leaves are not perfect, they are flawed. Like us, with our imperfections, they make beautiful compositions.”
Since 1966, the artist’s family has owned and operated Glenn L. Firme & Associates in Beverly Shores – with a second location in Michigan City. The business sells office supplies and equipment, along with fine art and graphic materials.
Currently teaching at Valparaiso University, Firme said he likes variability in his art. “My works are about the search for shape,” he said. “I am trying to get abstract compositions in a shallow space, which allows for more variety. I have been drawing (water plants) for years. I am interested in their shape, gesture, and pictorial space on a reflective surface.”
He said he uses the drawings as inspiration for the forged steel sculptures. “They are abstract in nature and draw on the plants for their inspiration. The pieces start with straight rods and are formed by heat into many curves and bends. Every inch of material is worked.”
Firme’s works, which are all for sale, will be on view at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts November 30 through January 6.
Exhibit and Opening Reception are free and open to the public.
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
