Opening Reception: Member’s Spotlight Exhibition: Teresa Olavarria

Teresa Olavarria lives currently in Dayton, OH.  Strong familial influences in science, engineering, international culture, and art played an important role in developing her sensibilities. Gardening, hiking, camping and traveling instilled curiosity and an appreciation for nature. Growing up in a large family kindled an interest in psychology and provided an environment rich with multiple perspectives.

A graduate of the University of Dayton Fine Arts program, she continues learning about and teaching art. Lou Weber, David Brand, Tess Little and Jim Killy are among her metal casting mentors. She has taught enameling at Rosewood Arts Center, the Carpenter Art Enameling Center, and the Dayton Art Institute. She instructed drawing and collage at Dayton Metro Libraries. Art affiliations include the Contemporary Dayton, Ohio Valley Enameling Guild, Dayton Society of Arts, the Ohio Art League and Art Lunch.

Her work ranges from biological studies, conceptual work, observations and manipulation of light and shadow. She specializes in one-of-a-kind sculptures made of metal, vitreous enamels, glass, stone and found objects. Coding, computer aided design and electronic assembly have occasionally been incorporated into her pieces.  Carefully chosen materials mimic the strength, fragility and elusive qualities of the subject conveyed. The use of metaphors, similes and puns add meaning and depth to her imagery. Research and analysis inform her work, providing a complexity that invites further thought.