Centre Gallery turns art inside-out

UNITY (Oct 29): “Insider/Outsider,” a show of works by Barbara Walch and Charlie Krause, will be exhibited Nov. 1-30 at the Centre Gallery at the Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts, 42 Depot St. There will be an artists’ reception at the gallery 6-8 p.m. Nov. 5.

A simple definition of outsider art could be: Creative works by people who have had little or no formal training in art, who produce art without regard to the mainstream art world’s recognition, marketplace or definitions.

In this instance, the “outsider” artist is Krause. His creativity and interest in making art have been a part of his life since childhood. Krause's career as a professional chef provides one outlet for his creativity, but he also has made macramé, embroidered, knitted, worked in silver and wood and stained glass, as well as drawing in his free time.

After meeting and marrying Walch 12 years ago, Krause began to work in clay, especially raku-fired “creatures” that, along with his chainsaw fish sculptures and rustic buildings, accent their organic gardens.

The “insider” artist in the Unity exhibit is Walch, a professional potter and ceramic artist who, since 1974, has been making a living from showing and selling her work nationwide. She has a piece in the Luce Foundation Center for American Art of the Smithsonian Art Museum.

Walch's work has appeared in various books and publications. She specializes in the little-used “pinch” technique of handbuilding, creating a unique style of functional pottery.

A tea set similar to the one in the Smithsonian, and some larger sculptural vessels which have been shown only once or twice, will be included in this show.

The gallery is open when performances are scheduled in the arts center or by appointment by calling 568-3147 or 948-7469. Visit unitymaine.org to see performance schedules.