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In The Harris Gallery

In The Harris Family Gallery 

As Potent as a Charm

BOTANICAL
bad seeds
black sheep
& skeletons in the closet
a print series of poisonous plants

by Joan Colbert

The series title, As Potent as a Charm, is a phrase taken from Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, "Rappaccini's Daughter".  In Hawthorne's tale, the title character, Beatrice, tends her father's botanical collection of lovely, yet lethal plants.  While 'as potent as a charm' refers to the specimens, it could just as well describe Beatrice, who, as the story progresses, becomes just as lovely and lethal as the flowers she nurtures.

Artist Joan Colbert works in mixed media with an emphasis on printmaking, collage, and painting. Inspired by literature and influenced by her environs, she often creates works that are thematic, frequently including references to her favorite motifs: blackbirds and bare trees. Her recent, ongoing series, "As Potent as a Charm," explores the malevolent side of familiar plants and trees in a collection of black and white linoleum block prints. Although the concept is botanical, allusions to dark tales and malfeasance hint at a narrative within each visual representation.

A graduate of The University of Akron, Joan has won numerous awards in both juried shows and art festivals. As the First Night Akron 2001 button designer, she created a mixed media piece: a whimsical skyline with a dove, a peregrine falcon, and a blackbird/jester. 

In 2019, Joan was honored with the Arts Alive Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Summit Artspace.  She was Gallery Coordinator for the Summit Artspace Gallery from 2007 to 2013. Joan is a member of Artists of Rubber City and lives in the Highland Square area of Akron.  Along with Open Studio events, her home was featured in " Artist in Residence--The West Hill Tour of Expressive Addresses". She has a studio in Summit Artspace on the first floor.
Joan Colbert's work ties in well with the current production, "Dial M for Murder".

Margot Wendice has no idea that her charming and seemingly loving husband, Tony Wendice, is planning her murder. He is "a lovely, yet lethal plant".

All of the artwork in this exhibit is for sale.  If you wish to make a purchase, please inquire at the Box Office.  Thank you for supporting the arts!

Marci Paolucci
Gallery Curator

 

Image for In the Harris Family Gallery
In The Harris Gallery

In The Harris Family Gallery 

As Potent as a Charm

BOTANICAL
bad seeds
black sheep
& skeletons in the closet
a print series of poisonous plants

by Joan Colbert

The series title, As Potent as a Charm, is a phrase taken from Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, "Rappaccini's Daughter".  In Hawthorne's tale, the title character, Beatrice, tends her father's botanical collection of lovely, yet lethal plants.  While 'as potent as a charm' refers to the specimens, it could just as well describe Beatrice, who, as the story progresses, becomes just as lovely and lethal as the flowers she nurtures.

Artist Joan Colbert works in mixed media with an emphasis on printmaking, collage, and painting. Inspired by literature and influenced by her environs, she often creates works that are thematic, frequently including references to her favorite motifs: blackbirds and bare trees. Her recent, ongoing series, "As Potent as a Charm," explores the malevolent side of familiar plants and trees in a collection of black and white linoleum block prints. Although the concept is botanical, allusions to dark tales and malfeasance hint at a narrative within each visual representation.

A graduate of The University of Akron, Joan has won numerous awards in both juried shows and art festivals. As the First Night Akron 2001 button designer, she created a mixed media piece: a whimsical skyline with a dove, a peregrine falcon, and a blackbird/jester. 

In 2019, Joan was honored with the Arts Alive Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Summit Artspace.  She was Gallery Coordinator for the Summit Artspace Gallery from 2007 to 2013. Joan is a member of Artists of Rubber City and lives in the Highland Square area of Akron.  Along with Open Studio events, her home was featured in " Artist in Residence--The West Hill Tour of Expressive Addresses". She has a studio in Summit Artspace on the first floor.
Joan Colbert's work ties in well with the current production, "Dial M for Murder".

Margot Wendice has no idea that her charming and seemingly loving husband, Tony Wendice, is planning her murder. He is "a lovely, yet lethal plant".

All of the artwork in this exhibit is for sale.  If you wish to make a purchase, please inquire at the Box Office.  Thank you for supporting the arts!

Marci Paolucci
Gallery Curator