March-April 3/1 - 4/28, 2019
Meet the Artists
Opening Reception Saturday, March 9, 4 - 7pm
More than Meats the Eye
Amber Maurer Farran & George Maurer
Amber Harte Maurer Farran
Beauty and Loss
I grew up at my father’s butcher shop and living on my grandfather & uncle’s dairy farm. I have always felt very passionate about local agriculture, its importance to American culture, and its survival for future generations. I draw and paint what I know, and what I think is important to our society. When I’m not at work as a graphic designer, drawing, painting, or taking photos, I enjoy taking ballet lessons and hanging out with my husband, family, and corgis.
I display the destruction of nature and agriculture and its importance to American culture. My art depicts both Mother Nature and the local agriculturalist, along with the difficulties both face competing with the corporate man. Destruction of nature is represented by the omission of the environment; farm and forest animals are rendered on a white abyss. Counter to the removal of naturally occurring art, the pieces focusing on agricultural skills and trades, specifically butchery, bring to light these disappearing artisans. This catalog of endangered Americana is my attempt to remind us that what we have may not always be if it is cast aside.
Off Track Art Gallery
A Fine Art and Gift Gallery in Westminster, Maryland owned and operated by the artists.
Gallery Hours:
Monday through Thursday
by Appointment*
Friday 12 - 4
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Stop by to see our
gallery show,
“Carroll County Artists’ Studio Tour: 40th Anniversary of Regional Art!”
in March and April
*offtrackartgallery@gmail.com
443-821-7355
The Maryland Wye Oak
Rick Smith
Rick Smith, Professor of Chemistry Emeritus at McDaniel College, has been a lover and worker of wood for most of his life. He is dedicated to teaching about and revealing the beauty that Nature has hidden in the wood of her trees. A particular emphasis is art fashioned from the wood of Maryland’s beloved State Tree, the Wye Oak, and from local trees. (A bit of Wye Oak history is at the bottom of this page)
In the tradition of the Colonial woodsmith, these works of woodturning art are never filled or stained, in order to preserve the natural color, character, and history of the wood. These creations from the Wye Oak and other woods include bowls, vases, candleholders, rolling pins, wine bottle stoppers, and jewelry; all designed and finished by the artist. Visit his website at www.firewoodtreasures.com for more examples of his workmanship. He can be contacted at firewoodtreasures@gmail.com.
"Togetherness" - a Colonial style Wye Oak bench
Spalted Maryland Wye Oak bowl
Maryland Wye Oak bowl
French rolling pin - Julia Child's favorite style
Figured yellow poplar
Spalted maple candleholder
Vases from local hardwoods and softwoods
Maryland’s Wye Oak:
Maryland’s State Symbol
The Wye Oak, Maryland’s State Tree and the largest white oak in the United States, toppled June 6th, 2002 during a thunderstorm in the village of Wye on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. More than 460 years old, the beloved tree was purchased by the State in 1939 and was declared Maryland’s State Tree in 1941. The purchase marked the first time in American history that a government agency purchased a single tree for preservation. The Wye Oak was one of Maryland’s greatest living symbols and was older than the state itself.
In 2004, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Maryland State Arts Council, made wood from the tree available to Maryland artisans at the State Forest Nursery in Preston, MD. Along with 150 other artists, Rick Smith journeyed to Preston on May 15, 2004 to collect a share of this venerable old state icon, for which certificates of authenticity were issued. Under conditions of this program, Rick created artworks from this wood beginning in 2004 and made them available for sale in 2006. THESE ARE TRULY RARE TREASURES FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO OWN A PIECE OF MARYLAND HISTORY!