The Mountaineer

Color and mixed media show opens Aug. 4

The Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 presents “For the Love of Color: Mixed-up Media,” an exhibition of works by Sylvia Everett from Wednesday, Aug. 4 to Saturday, Aug.21. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There will be a special artist’s reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, in conjunction with the Waynesville Gallery Association’s Art After Dark event. Everett has lived and worked in Waynesville since 1993. In 1995, she was one of the first artists to exhibit at the Haywood County Arts Council’s newly founded Little Gallery on Church Street. From 1995 to 2001, she was resident artist at Andover Newton

Theological School in Newton, Massachusetts. In that capacity, she maintained a working studio on campus and provided help and guidance to students who chose to use art as a way to explore theological questions.
Since retirement to her home in Waynesville in 2001, she has continued to be creative, exhibiting locally and in Asheville. In addition to the weaving, mosaic, and painting of this exhibition, she has created many large banners using painted silk and cut paper as well as seasonal installations for First United Methodist Church, Waynesville.
She has also provided worship settings for Lake Junaluska and was artistic consultant for the Bethea Welcome Center where her large sculptural installation, Song of Justice, is permanently displayed. That sculpture, composed of 27 vintage organ pipes and authentic ethnic fabrics, honors the many cultures of people who come to Lake Junaluska.
Found and recycled materials have also played an important role in Everett’s work. “Whether it is found creek glass, wood backing boards from my husband’s workshop, reclaiming vintage tile or repainting abandoned canvases, I strive to find or create beauty in what has been thrown away or rejected. These are usually mixed with new materials to create a more dynamic effect,”  she said.
Music was Everett’s original art form before turning to the visual arts in the 1980s. Music continues to be a strong influence and inspiration. Everett holds a bachelor of music degree from the University of Oregon and a master of science degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has studied art privately with outstanding art teachers, including Annette Hirsh, Jyoti Sahi, and Isabella Asratyan.
For informtaion, visit www.haywoodarts.org.