Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
January 4 – 17, 2014
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‘Flora’ show continues at Vision
ON DISPLAY: Nevada fiber artist Paula Chung with her “Aging Iris IV” textile at the Vision Gallery through Sat., Jan. 18. STSN photo by Laurie Fagen
The fiber art exhibition of Paula Chung continues through Sat., Jan. 18, at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., in downtown Chandler. “Flora: The Fiber Paintings of Paula Chung” is inspired by Chung’s gardens, which, she says, provide “a never-ending source of inspiration and solace.” She uses hand-dyed silks, often over-dyed to capture a rich depth of color, with nature serving as her pattern. A fusible interfacing is applied and a cotton/polyester batting attached. The florals are heavily machine quilted and embroidered. “My pieces try to capture a blossom’s essence and the energy and the awe I feel when experiencing their beauty,” says the Nevada artist.
The Vision Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For details, visit visiongallery.org or call 480782-2695. For more on Chung’s work, go to www.paulachung.com.
TEXTILE EXHIBIT: Additional fiber wallhangings by Paula Chung continue on display at the Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler. STSN photo by Laurie Fagen
Country Thunder rolling into Florence this spring with top headliners BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
With headliners Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and The Band Perry, Country Thunder organizers feel they have the right mix to stir up the dirt in Florence Thu., April 10, through Sun., April 13. “We think we’ve gotten it right yet again,” says Troy Vollhoffer, executive producer. “Our headliners are incredibly strong and we’ve backed them up with a good mix of hot, young talent and
classic artists who appeal to our entire demographic. We know that our fans are going to have a blast this spring.” Besides the trio of award-winning artists, the bill also features Sawyer Brown, Craig Morgan, Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Thompson Square, Cassadee Pope, Tyler Farr, Easton Corbin, LoCash Cowboys and Colt Ford. “That’s one festival I’ve wanted to play for awhile,” Ford says. “I’m excited
to be able to do that. I’ve heard from my other buddies what a great festival it is and how much fun it is. So I’m really looking forward to it.” A former professional golfer, Ford is promoting “Ride Through the Country Revisited,” a reimagining of his 2008 debut album. “It’s old, but it’s new, if that makes any sense,” says Ford, who recently wrapped up a tour with longtime friends Florida Georgia Line. “When I first made ‘Ride
Through the Country,’ I didn’t know anything about Nashville. I didn’t know anything about what was going on in that world. I just wanted to make a country record. So I made one. “At the time, I didn’t think I’d make one (album) let alone four. I just never thought that would happen.” He decided to revisit “Ride Through the Country” to show where he has traveled to, musically, in his career. SEE COUNTRY THUNDER PAGE 57