Faculty member has August art show on Vashon

Patrick McCormick, a professor of art at Western Washington University Professor of Art, is combining his talents with mixed-media artist John Martin to create "Sticks and Stoneware" at VALISE Gallery this August.

The exhibition opens with an artist’s reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 2.

The head of the ceramics department at Western, McCormick’s extensive experience spans decades. His often funny and provocative ceramics leave viewers laughing, surprised or confused, and this is how he likes it.

"Currently, I am working with very literal hand and skull images as well as wall mounted plates, which are based on the concept of the 'transitional object,'" he says. "The skull forms are meant to be viewed and understood as metaphorical forms with strong historical context. The skull is the ultimate container."

Martin has a passion for wood and creates work that is clean and precise, yet creative and loose. He often combines metal, resin, encaustics and other media, pulling from his knowledge of engineering and process to create beautiful and sometimes interactive pieces, often with mechanical twists.

VALISE Gallery hours are Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 206-619-2364 or Carol Schwennesen at 206-595-0388.

The show runs on Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturdays through the end of August.

The gallery is located at 17633 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon Island, WA 98070.