Indwelling

PRESS RELEASE For release the week of July15, 2013 Contact Robert Tetu, Blyth Festival Art Gallery 519-345-2184 BLYTH GALLERY PRESENTS DRAMATIC WOOD FURNITURE Wayne Muma is a Stratford area furniture maker who wants his handmade wooden furniture to look like, well, wood! The thick boards emphasize the extraordinary grain of the hardwood and retain the original profile of the log. The pieces at first seem to have a rough appearance, but have actually been hand finished with traditional tools to a perfectly smooth, almost mirror-like surface, which dramatically increase the clarity of colours and textures found in the wood. The artist obviously respects nature and loves his work.

Wayne has spent many years studying trees, natural forms, and working with wood.

Enthusiasm and passion for the local hardwoods of Ontario are what drives his creative engine. He has a contagious enthusiasm for wood and its natural environment and his clear “green vision” means that woods are sustainably harvested and salvaged locally. Trees are sometimes wind fallen or urban salvaged. These woods are purchased green and often in the log, milled and air dried at home. Finishes are natural organic materials which don’t adversely affect the home environment. He sees, hidden within each tree, a wealth of textures, colours, and lines. These are the characteristics that inspire his design process.

Starting on July 19, The Blyth Festival Art Gallery is presenting “Indwelling”, an exhibition of Wayne Muma’s unique wood furniture designs The show can be viewed in the Bainton Gallery of the Blyth Memorial Hall until August 13, 2013, Mondays to Saturdays from 9 am. to 9 pm.. The exhibition is sponsored by Maarten Bokhout and Helena McShane and curated by Greg Sherwood. The public is invited to meet the artist at the Opening Reception on Friday, July 19, at 6 pm.

For more information, contact Robert Tetu at 519-345-2184 or email gallery@blythfestival.com