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Final Friday Reception: Blast From the Past – Exhibition by CGA alumni

Friday, September 26, 2025
Join us for the opening of our next exhibition, featuring former CGA member artists! We will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of CGA. Come party with us!
In Praise of Gardens | Marilee Martin
Marilee is a retired landscape architect who appreciates the magic of gardens and enjoys the challenge of painting them, whether it’s a landscape painting or a painting of a bunch of flowers brought in from the garden.  She and her husband call Durham home.
“Garden-obsessed, that’s me.  Favorite haunts are Duke Gardens, small neighborhood gardens, huge public gardens and my own small oasis.  They all call to me.
Gardening and garden strolling are two favorite activities that spark inspiration and sometimes lead to a new painting or sketch.  In each of these paintings, I tried to capture the joy of a particular time and place in my gardening life.” – Marilee
Cliff Scott-Williams | North Carolina: East to West
“This is a selection of images taken throughout our beautiful state of North Carolina highlighting the diversity captured within it.
From rolling seas to tranquil mountains – from relaxing walks through peaceful woodland to the bustle of the big city – we have it all on our doorstep.”  – Cliff
Functional Felting for Fabulous Fashion’ | Cynthia Mollenkopf
Cynthia Mollenkopf enjoys demonstrating and teaching felt making and believes creating public awareness of the felting process and the potential of this medium are ongoing opportunities. Cynthia was a member of Cary Gallery of Artists cooperative for over 7 years and is currently the owner of Cocoon Gallery in Downtown Apex featuring 70+ master artisans of functional creations.
Out of Round’ | Sherry Nichols
A fresh take on form and surface in clay. This new collection of pottery explores shapes beyond the traditional wheel-thrown circle—featuring squared, oval, and subtly altered forms. Each piece is uniquely finished with a variety of layered underglazes, adding depth, color, and individuality. Come see how stepping out of round opens up new possibilities in function and beauty.
 ‘A Dove, Two Cockatoos, plus 3’ | Lynn Patton
“The fantasy of a fictional narrative around real or imaginary creatures and places intrigues and inspires me. I love creating stories as I design.  It is a joy to represent these treasures. The combination of a unique palette and a porcelain canvas provides a delightful  opportunity to transform ideas into vibrant artworks.” – Lynn
‘Whispers to the Flame’ | Derek Unger
In this oil painting, a delicate fairy hovers not as a protector but as a betrayer, signaling the knight’s downfall to the looming dragon. The discarded armor suggests not just defeat, but the collapse of trust from within. Through metaphor, the work reflects how fragile alliances can be undone when personal opportunity and gain whispers louder than solidarity.  Nearby, a rushing creek winds through the wilderness, its restless flow echoing the relentless current of opinion—swift, volatile, and capable of eroding even the strongest foundations. The piece warns of the dangers posed when those entrusted with safeguarding hope instead guide destruction to its very heart.
Cary Gallery of Artists, 200 S. Academy St., Suite 120, Cary, NC 27511
919-462-2035
https://www.carygalleryofartists.org
Regular Gallery hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 – 5:30; Sunday 12:30 – 4:00.
  • Type: Reception
  • Time: September 26, 2025 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Venue:Cary Gallery of Artists