"Catch of the Day" at the Dolphin Gallery in August

A contrast of the whimsical and the controlled mark the works displayed in August at The Dolphin from August 8 to 31. Diane Van de Carr works with fused glass and Bo Svensson uses captivating photography to evoke responses in the viewer.

"Catch of the Day," with its playful double meaning is a perfect title for this exhibit. The title reflects not only the spontaneity of whatever the ocean will provides on a given day, but also the gift of what each day brings. The use of themes means that results often evolve into something quite different from the original concepts.

When Diane discovered the fusing process in 1985, she embraced the process because it was more spontaneous and less structured then her previous work with stained glass windows. She enjoys the challenge of striving to be creative and at the same time of dealing with the fragility of glass and the restraints of time and temperature. Due to the variables involved, each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Color, texture, and the effect of light on glass are the key elements to her work with dichronic glass, a favorite medium. Vaporizing materials onto sheets of glass in a vacuum chamber create the effect. The microscopic layers interrupt wavelengths of light and the number of ultra-thin coatings produce different colors.

Glass elements that are used for jewelry are wrapped with gold-filled or sterling silver wire and made into earrings, pendants, and pins. Incorporating brass and copper wire into fused glass adds another dimension.

Diane explains, "I love the fact that my work brings a smile to people's faces, that the color, and feel of glass brings a bit of beauty to the world. People connect with my work and it brings them pleasure. It is important to me that my work is whimsical. There is enough serious art in the world!"

Bo Svensson strives to capture some of the world's most beautiful objects at the perfect moment. His photography consists primarily of architecture, landscapes, and seascapes in both Europe and North America. Since the subject matter is familiar to many viewers, the goal is to capture the precise, magical moment when light and composition create the perfect image.

Each photograph Svensson selects is intended to best reflect his love and respect for nature and for man's proper place in it as observer, partner, and preserver. If successful, the photograph captures a precise moment in time that can provide a timeless enjoyment, which both enhances a space and touches the heart.

On August 6 the public may meet both artists at the opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Dolphin. The show runs through August 31.