In To Life: Its Spirit and Its Elements Mary Rieser Heintjes presents abstract, dynamic sculptures that utilize the technique of oxyacetylene welding with steel which is then kiln fused with glass.

Her love of glass, color, effects of light, and drawing in space are very strong elements in the work as well incorporating observation of nature. The pieces eloquently combine two disparate elements, the luminosity, liquidity, and fragility of glass with the solidity and strength of steel. Rieser Heintjes explains, “The work that is created is happy and optimistic and whimsical, strong and like no other.”

Vera Sapozknikova presents large, abstract, and vibrant oil paintings created during her time as Artist in Residence at the Carter Burden/Leonard Covello Program in the exhibition To Life: Its Spirit and Its Elements. Self-taught, her work is intuitive and full of energy and emotion. In her drive to paint, she has consistently challenged herself and continued to develop her style, evolving from representational to more abstract work. Through her artistic journey, she has adopted a signature palette steeped in rich crimson, orange, and blue. Her determination to paint results in unique and bold marks on the canvas, revealing Sapozhnikova’s optimistic approach to being a painter. Her paintings are refreshing and invigorating.