Denise Riddle Art can be found in a building that at one time or another had previously been a laundry mat, a vocational classroom, a drapery shop, a printing shop, and a batting pit. With a Golden Leaf grant, the building became a small business incubator and, when the building became available, Denise Riddle rented it so she could continue her work there. Now the space is home to the creative endeavors of three artists.
Denise Riddle is a painter, clay sculptor and a designer. There is a spiritual element present in all that Denise creates. Her work is heavily influenced by nature and indigenous cultures. The highly textured and brilliantly colored work possesses whimsical and industrial components.
Cindy Douglass’ work is Oneiric, or “dreamlike,” and takes the form of clay and painting. The quirky oddness imbues her work with a uniqueness not seen very often elsewhere. Her influences are the NASA space center, Walt Disney, and painter Tamara de Lempicka.
Beth Bailey spent her career as an art teacher at the NC School for the Deaf. Now she focuses on jewelry and fabric art. Her copper jewelry explores processes such as etching, hammering, torching, riveting, patinas, and enameling. Cuffs, earrings, necklaces, mobiles and magnetic shawl pins have resulted. Beth’s art quilts are inspired by natural beauty and wildlife of the foothills. She composes with hand dyed and batik fabrics and sometimes utilizes natural elements in her compositions.
The front half of the building is a gallery where visitors can see work from paintings to platters, from trinket bowls to yarn bowls, from jewelry to wear and jewelry on the paintings. The back half of the building is a studio for creating and teaching. Denise, Cindy, and Beth all teach classes. Some classes are offered in painting, clay, and copper, but each of these experienced teachers are willing to work with students on just about anything!
Open by Appointment
