Danbury artist Dayna Wenzel's sculpture is featured in three exhibitions in June/July 2018. Wenzel often combines natural materials - nests, hives, wood, and animal remains - with human-made objects, rendering metaphors for the viewer to contemplate. Wenzel has a special affinity for the insects who are often contributors to her work. She often disassembles and re-assembles hives, highlighting and emphasizing their texture and geometry.
Wenzel has previously exhibited at The Gallery at Still River Editions.
"Inner Sanctum" © Dayna Wenzel
1. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah NY. "Signal" exhibition. Opening Reception: Sat June 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. This diverse show features artists from the tri-state area, juried by Lumi Tan, curator at The Kitchens in NYC. The opening party features live local music, food, and juror's awards. The show continues to July 29. Wenzel's mixed media work "Inner Sanctum" constructed of recycled wasp nest paper is included in this group show. For advance tickets to the opening ($10, or free if you are a member), and other information: www.katonahmuseum.org
2. Tivoli Artists Gallery, 60 County Rd 78, Tivoli, NY. "Let's Mix It Up". This collaboration and mixed media show runs June 29 - July 22, 2018. The free opening reception is Sat June 30, 6:00 - 8:00pm. A free artist talk and closing party is Sunday July 22, 3:00 - 5:00pm. Wenzel was invited to participate in this small group show by New York artist and exhibit co-curator Pamela Tucker. Dayna's "Cosmos Series" of four ceiling-hung mixed media works will be featured.
3. The Eric Sloane Museum, 31 Kent Cornwall Rd., Kent, CT. "Noah Blake and his Wonderful Cabin". June 29 - July 13. This show is inspired by Eric Sloane's book Diary of an Early American Boy: Noah Blake, 1805. Eric Sloane (1905 - 1985) was a prolific painter and writer who captured the spirit of early American life. His many books contain illustrations of early American tools, many of which are on display in the richly curated collection in the museum. Wenzel has recreated two works based on Sloane's illustrations of a "bottle window" and a "rick vane". Both utilize recycled antique barn wood and primitive wood working techniques. The artists's reception is July 4, 11:00am - 1:00pm. A bell ringing and reading of the Declaration of Independence will commence at 2:00pm. Many other events are scheduled, such as hewing and shingle making, and tool box building.