Current Art Exhibit on Display

Solace by Way of Wonder by Shayla Thornton

Artist Statement:

My past two exhibitions focused on discovering comfort within existential wonder, my creative community, and myself, through an abstract narrative. In this final chapter of Solace by Way of Wonder, I’m presenting a collection of work from those exhibitions that I feel best represents the duality of my abstract method. I named the cluster of detail soul atoms, and defined them as an organic form made of fine lines that, when composed together, create unlimited visual possibilities. By inviting viewers into my narrative of a hyperactive comfort zone, I hope to foster curiosity and invite introspection on who we are as people in proximity to the material and immaterial world.

Meet the Artist:

Shayla is a mixed media artist originally from Maxton, North Carolina, and currently lives in Durham. They earned a bachelor's in fine arts from East Carolina University, with a concentration in painting and drawing. Using watercolor, ink, and collage, they create abstract forms that present a realm manifested from their approach towards escapism. Drawing repetitive lines developed as a coping mechanism for their anxiety. While creating intricate detail with fluidity, they are able to redirect their mindset, experience a sense of euphoria, and relieve themself from the weight of mundane pressures. 

Shayla Thornton Artist Photo

Explore Shayla's Art

"Community Atoms" - $300

"Vibrating Skin" - $700

"Soul Atom" - $3,000

"Buoyancy of Respite" -$500

"Veil 10" - $100

"Vessel 4" - $500

"Raw's Veil" - pricing info coming soon.

"Nori's Veil" - pricing info coming soon

"Mama Can You Carry Me"

Interested in making a purchase?

If you are interested in purchasing from the artist, please click this link to view the price list alongside photos of each piece of art.

 Past Artists

The Foundation has had the pleasure of having the works of these fine local artists on display in our gallery in past exhibits. We encourage you to visit their websites, go see their art in person, and learn more about their artwork and journeys. Let them know we sent you!

    • Joel Tesch - Raleigh native specializing in 2D acrylic paintings
    • Maria Frati - Raleigh-based oil painter and relief printmaker
    • Ji Ahn Kang - Korean artist who focuses her work on the colors and textures found in nature
    • José Manuel Cruz - Puerto Rican/Colombian Latino artist who loves working with color and all mediums
    • Eliza Redmann - 3D artist who has used art to heal from a traumatic accident
    • Lakeshia Reid - paintings that celebrate the beauty, power, and resilience of Black women
    • Annie Nashold - paintings with a focus on local connections through interviews, conversation, and community
    • Leah Sobsey and Tim Telkamp - photography with a wet plate collodion process used to help engage the community and bring people together
    • Sass Art - painter focused on exploring the complexities of femme identity through up-close portraits
    • William Thomas - painter focused on representations of diverse people in his social circle
    • Lisa Creed - painter focused on two distinct types of art: abstract and sky & sea
    • Frank Myers - photographer, has done extensive work with Jazz musicians

 

Why does the Foundation have an art gallery?

Because we believe that a strong commitment to the arts is an important part of our vision for the community.

As part of our focus on Cultural Arts, the Foundation's office space also serves as a rotating art gallery, for two main reasons: to support and foster local artists, and to encourage our community to connect and engage in meaningful conversation inspired by art. The Triangle Community Artists Gallery, housed within our office space at the Frontier in partnership with the Durham Art Guild (DAG), hosts artwork from local artists for periods of six months at a time. All artists in the gallery are chosen by a jury panel of fundholders and donors with an interest in the arts. The art on display, unless marked, is available for purchase. We are proud of this partnership with DAG, our jury of community leaders and arts-minded fundholders, and the artists we have the great pleasure of showcasing each cycle.

We encourage you to visit our virtual gallery where you can peruse a few pieces of the current exhibit at your leisure, and purchase art if you desire. Wish to view the exhibit in-person? Contact Zach Ward, Scholarships and Program Officer, at [email protected].

Interested in learning how to turn your office into a curated art gallery?

Learn more about the DAG Art@Work program, and see how they can help you get started today!

Interested in getting your art displayed in our gallery?

Calls for art for this rotating exhibit are usually published in June, so keep an eye on Durham Art Guild and Triangle Community Foundation's websites around that time!