Windows on the World: The Wildlife of the Spirit & Soul

Pine Center for the Arts is proud to showcase the amazing nature photography by artist, Gayle
Sheahen, and stunning creations using natural elements like sticks and stones by Jack
Frechette. This gallery opens Friday, October 2nd, where the public is invited to an artist’s
reception from 4-7pm. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. The gallery is free and
open to the public thanks to the generous donation from Cabina Coffee.

Jack has always considered himself to be a creative person and an admirer of art, but not
necessarily an artist. Jack says, “I shied away from ever identifying as an artist. It wasn’t until I
discovered the wood of Diamond Willow about four years ago that something unlocked in me,
and I began to think of myself as someone who could add creative beauty to the world.”

Jack will be presenting art that primarily uses natural elements. “The media of my work is,
broadly, sticks and stones. Diamond Willow limbs are paired with dried vegetation (lavender,
ferns, reeds, and more) to create landscape scenes inspired by local vistas. In addition, I will
display a wide collection of nature’s raw beauty: minerals, including amethyst, obsidian, petrified
wood and more, collected through four years of rockhounding adventures, cut to reveal the
wonders within.”

Jack draws his inspiration from nature. “My path to beginning to think of myself as an artist was
aided by the reality that much of nature’s handiwork needs little help to express its full beauty. I
find that my work is much more about the revelation of inherent beauty than it is about making
physical my own ideas. But in order to appreciate this subtle beauty, we must slow down and
notice things we may have never noticed before.”

Jack has found that, through his art and through sobriety, he is more present. “I feel that for
much of my life, I was living in yesterday and in tomorrow: reliving the regrets of the past and
anxious about the uncertain tomorrow. It was not until I entered recovery from alcoholism that a
simple truth was made clear to me: I was rarely present in the moment. Since that day nearly
seven years ago, I have worked to notice as much about my present moment as I am able, and
what I have been left with is a sense of wonder that I never appreciated before. When I am able
to slow myself down and “be where my feet are”, colors are more vivid, patterns more intriguing,
roughness and smoothness play off each other like partners in rhythm, and time seems to stand
still. This philosophy has brought to me a sense of peace, serenity, and openness that I hope to
share with the audience at this gallery.”

Gayle has been a photographer for many years. “I started about 13 years ago out of necessity
because I could not afford a photographer for my horse farm. I had a friend that helped me, but
my photos were all photographed on the automatic camera setting. I was lucky to get published
photos in Ireland and England and for a cover photo shoot for Irish Draught Horses and other
US publications. After retiring and moving to Burnett County, I have had numerous covers and
photos for the Almanac and Travel Guides. It all started out as a hobby and for fun, taking
photos of local animals.” Gayle mostly does photo prints and canvas, and small amounts of
metal prints. She draws inspiration from Canada, Alaska, and from her front yard in Northern
Minnesota.

Gayle is hoping that viewers of her photographs will see the warmth behind the eyes of the
wildlife she captures. “(My hope is) That they are able to look into the eyes of the animal and
can see their personality and kindness.” Her goal for her art is also to inspire people to truly
appreciate and see the animal and outdoor world around us. You can find more of Gayle’s work
on her website at northerngaylephotography.com and follow her on Facebook at Northern Gayle
Photography.

Similarly, Jack hopes that his art can inspire those to notice beauty in places that can be
missed. Jack says, “The emotion I hope that people have when experiencing these pieces is the
same emotion that I have when I first witness their raw form: wonder. A Diamond Willow limb
can be just a stick, or it can be a collection of natural forces resulting in a wild, dynamic
landscape in miniature. An agate can be just a rock, or it can be a time capsule, illustrated by
vibrant colors and patterns, of a time when the earth itself was in flux. It will be up to the viewer
to decide how deep they want to go.”

The gallery will continue throughout the month of October. Regular gallery hours are
10:00am-5:00pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11:00am-5:00pm Sunday.