MTSU’s first art exhibition of 2012 focuses on the work of four artists-in-residence from Gatlinburg’s renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Chandra DeBuse's "Candy Dish with Gold Spoon" is part of the "Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Exhibition" at the Todd Gallery now through Feb. 2. (photos submitted)

The “Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Exhibition” in the University’s Todd Gallery will showcase the work of artists Chandra DeBuse, Dustin Farnsworth, Phil Haralam and Lisa Johnson.

“As artists-in-residence at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, they combine today’s contemporary artistic vision with a commitment to continue the rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship found in the east Tennessee region,” says Todd Gallery Secretary Eric Snyder.

"The Myth of Life and Truth of Love," a sculpture by Dustin Farnsworth.

DeBuse describes her work as functional pottery that incorporates narrative imagery, pattern and form to reflect human attitudes towards play, “beckon[ing] users to ponder the playful message illustrated on each.” Farnsworth, known for his skill in woodworking and printmaking, says his hand-carved and sewn figurative sculptures “blur the line between realism and vintage plaything.”

A detail of Phil Haralam's sculpture, "Principle." (photo submitted)

Haralam combines sculpted forms and graphic imagery into nonrepresentative psychological portraits, creating “layered compositions that emulate the seemingly random associations embedded within the human psyche.” And Johnson, whose work involves metalsmithing and jewelry, aims to convey “the juxtaposition of puns, translations, irony and duality.”

The Arrowmont exhibit at MTSU opened Jan. 12 and will continue through Thursday, Feb. 2. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Todd Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; it’s closed on state holidays. For parking and other information, contact Snyder at 615-898-5653.

For information on MTSU’s Todd Gallery, visit www.mtsu.edu/art/.