Michele Waalkes: "Next"
On display December 13, 2008 - January 18, 2009
Exhibition Opening on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The Massillon Museum will feature an exhibition entitled “Next” by artist Michele Waalkes in Studio M from December 13, 2008, through January 18, 2009. The work, primarily fibers and mixed media, visualizes the tension between savoring the present and a preoccupation with what lies ahead. Many of the works in “Next” are created with photographic images transferred onto opaque and sheer fibers. The fibers are then layered to develop conceptual fusions and visual depth that reinforce the theme.

The exhibition will open on Saturday, December 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in the Massillon Museum's Fred F. Silk Community Room, concurrent with the opening of the Stark County Artists Exhibition in the first floor gallery. The public is invited to view the artwork, meet the artist, and enjoy refreshments. As always, a visit to the Massillon Museum is free. No reservations are necessary.

Waalkes, the curator of 2nd April galerie in downtown Canton, earned a bachelor of arts degree (cum laude) at Malone College, where she majored in art with emphasis in graphics and fibers. Her work has been seen frequently throughout the Canton and Akron area, including 2nd April galerie. Her artwork was selected by jurors to be included in the Massillon Museum’s Stark County Artists Exhibition in 2007 and 2008.

“I seek to fuse my love of photography, graphics, and fibers into conceptual pieces for the viewer to discover and contemplate,” Waalkes says. “Recurring themes in my predominately fibers/mixed media works include the transience of life in time, as well as the feelings evoked by diverse natural, cultural, and architectural spaces.”

The Studio M show may be seen during regular Museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., except when the Silk Room has been reserved for private functions. A call to the Museum office can confirm that the exhibit is available for viewing—330-833-4061.

ABOUT STUDIO M

The Studio M show may be seen during regular Museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., except when the Silk Room has been reserved for private functions. A call to the Museum office can confirm that the exhibit is available for viewing: 330-833-4061.

Studio M enhances the collaboration between the Museum and the community by showcasing the artistic talents of local, regional, and national artists.  The series of five-week shows will continue throughout the year, selected by jurors from proposals submitted by artists.  Brochures containing guidelines and an application are available by contacting the Massillon Museum at 330-833-4061 or www.massillonmuseum.org. The Massillon Museum is located at 121 Lincoln Way East (Ohio Route 172) in the heart of downtown Massillon. A visit to the Massillon Museum is always free.

Would you like to exhibit your work at Studio M?

Schedule of Upcoming Studio M Exhibitions:

January 23 - March 1, 2009: Linda McFarlin

Saturday, March 7 – April 12, 2009 – East Central Region of the Ohio Art Education Association

Saturday, April 18 – May 24, 2009 – Walsh University Digital Photojournalism class

Media Contacts: