A one-of-a-kind interactive art experience
MILLERSBURG — A one-of-a-kind interactive art experience called "Nature Cadence," featuring the works of Steve Burelison and Anu Redway, was held June 30 at the Inn at Honey Run. The event was presented by the New Towne Gallery.
A specially-crafted communal-style menu, created exclusively for Nature Cadence by award-winning executive chef Bret Andreasen, was served at the Treetop Pavilion at the Inn. Guests were surrounded by the artists’ works, which featured wood sculpture, paintings and jewelry along with an opportunity to meet the artists.
Burelison said he has always enjoyed creating something from nothing.
"I guess my introduction to art was finger-painting in kindergarten," he said. "I was always creating shapes and forms out of clay that were unidentifiable to most folks, but I could always tell what they were.,"
He is a self-taught artist who sculpts in an interpretive style, allowing the viewer to step into the work in their own mind and relate to factors in their own lives.
Creating motion and emotion through art
"I work primarily with found wood that I pick from the woods and river on my property in southwest Ohio," Burelison said. "I am always looking for interesting pieces. With each piece I try to create motion and emotion. There is no better feeling for me than to have someone see my pieces for the first time and put their hand over their mouth in awe."
Redway is a native of Nigeria who migrated to New York and settled in northeastern Ohio. She is a contemporary surrealist mixed-media painter and clay jewelry designer, reflecting human and nature themes. Her influences include Jackson Pollock, Kehinde Wiley, Tahilia Stanton, Salvador Dali and Chuck Close, to name a few. She studied fashion design at Kent State University and earned a degree in studio art from Cleveland State University.
"I personally believe the most important thing in reaching connectivity is remembering to examine what's below the surface of what we see," she said. "Having experience in painting, sculpture and photography gives me a full site on the construction of my works."
Art to make a person feel seen and heard
Using her work to make a person feel seen, heard, and know that they are not alone is what she is trying to accomplish in her art.
New Towne Gallery owner and event host Mark Miller praised the efforts of the Inn at Honey Run and its staff for creating such a wonderful environment for the inaugural event.
"The Inn outdid itself with an incredible menu crafted specifically for this event," Miller said. "I think everyone enjoyed it, as far as I could tell. I think everyone was really delighted with the event. Everyone kind of raved about the evening. I certainly hope this is a stepping-stone to host more events like this.
"They created a perfect atmosphere for an opening show like this; the dining experience paired with the art work displayed there was really well done," he continued. "They did an excellent job from the layout and the lighting to the total display. I was really happy with it."
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: A one-of-a-kind interactive art experience
