Lincolnton, NC – Gallery 27 is pleased to present a smart arrangement of work exploring the lives of two local artists, April Kinley, and Heather Tompkins. Together they present some of the most beautiful and lovingly executed pieces the gallery has to offer. Both artists have developed a unique and style of their own in their respective genres.

Heather Tompkins began painting as a means to bring life to the stark white walls of her newlywed home 15 years ago. But it was the calming meditative routine of creating something, and the sense of pulling out the chaotic colors in her head that kept Heather reaching for her brushes time and time again. Her love for creating art has expanded from painting to sketching, macrame, and re-purposing found items and furniture. Now there is no shortage of inspiration for her to draw from, and she hopes to someday be able to create full time.

April Kinley, a Lincolnton resident, is a self-trained artist who works in several mediums from painting, photography, stained glass and mixed media. Much of her artwork utilizes re-purposed materials. Her current work is a series of paintings composed of collages of her 8-year-old daughter’s repurposed artwork. Her daughter Noël renders drawings and paintings which April later dismantles and rearranged the artwork into new images. Then she finishes the pieces with a layer of resin. Many of her pieces are inspired by nature, girl/womanhood, and adversity. One-piece front the series, “Interpretive Woman,” was awarded Best in Show in Charlottes 16th annual National Arts Program Exhibit.

Gallery 27 is located at 808 West Hwy 27, Lincolnton, NC. 1-704-240-9060, www.ncgallery27.com.

Photo: April Kinley, Intermediate, Best of Show, Painting, Relative; Planning Department.