Calendar of Events
Camp Verde Community Library
Celebrating the Birth of Ann Metlay Art By Larry Rosenberg, September 29, 2019
Instructions to the audience: In this poem, after you hear three words repeated – such as “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “praise, praise, praise” – you’ll hear me pause; that is your invitation to shout the following four words, “… our beloved Ann Metlay.”
It’s awesome to observe how Ann’s reality has evolved To behold how her art forms have dramatically revolved Her studio and gallery are having another grand opening And we are gathered to witness this glorious happening Today the visual art world marks a very auspicious day We’re here to cheer, cheer, cheer … our beloved Ann Metlay.
Having taught English to kids using her vast creativity She advocated vivid writing, more powerful with brevity Her command of English expression is keen and deep Never a timid writer, she is the master of imagery leap Her poems and books are as brilliant as the sun’s ray We’re here to honor, honor, honor … our beloved Ann Metlay.
When Ann switched to three-dimensional art, we took note She roamed the local deserts for treasures she could tote Her raw materials of wood, roots, stones and other stuff Became assemblages, sometimes smooth, sometimes rough She added turquoise, copper, epoxy and paper mâché We’re here to praise, praise, praise … our beloved Ann Metlay.
But in her heart Ann had a dream of another medium: Ceramic sculptures, becoming as many as seats in a stadium. With guidance from her delightful and whimsical muse She played with clay, without the boost of coffee or juice Stylish lines, shapes, textures and glazes, done in her way We’re here to hail, hail, hail … our beloved Ann Metlay.
One fresh ceramic theme after another, and we are amazed As we gaze at Ann’s artworks, our spirits are greatly raised A gargoyle here, a fountain there, is that a demon or an angel? Her imagination made tangible, each piece with a story to tell From the kiln comes dazzling works that once were damp clay We’re here to embrace, embrace, embrace … our beloved Ann Metlay.
The tipping point came when assemblages gave way to ceramics Thus Ann’s gallery needed a makeover to reflect new dynamics Beyond a coat of white paint or installation of wooden shelves Is born a bold new concept, inspired by the fairies and elves AMA, Ann Metlay Art, is a brand name as magical as a tropical bay We’re here to applaud, applaud, applaud … our beloved Ann Metlay.
Ann’s artworks may be inanimate, yet they’re bursting with energy Springing from her Divine Source, chock full of beauty and synergy Go into her studio to see the tools and materials, out of a wizard’s laird Then explore the gallery to see artworks that no artist has yet dared So much variety, originality and intensity, until we shout “hooray!” We’re here to celebrate, celebrate, celebrate … our beloved Ann Metlay.
The Following images of the Opening of Ann Metlay Art, taken by Larry Rosenberg
Past Events
First Opening
I was so excited! My party that night was a complete success. About 60 people attended. About 2/3s of them hung around to eat. Many stayed through at least part of the entertainment. And the group who remained for Hank Erwin’s set enjoyed wonderful music on a balmy fall evening.
I worked for many hours over a week to put my studio into shape. The final push, 7 hours over two days felt grueling. My friend Susie Harmon stayed with me, insisted on ideas which totally enhanced my showings. But all that paid off!
I am so very grateful to my circle of friends who were there supporting me that night.
I was so excited! My party that night was a complete success. About 60 people attended. About 2/3s of them hung around to eat. Many stayed through at least part of the entertainment. And the group who remained for Hank Erwin’s set enjoyed wonderful music on a balmy fall evening.
I worked for many hours over a week to put my studio into shape. The final push, 7 hours over two days felt grueling. My friend Susie Harmon stayed with me, insisted on ideas which totally enhanced my showings. But all that paid off!
I am so very grateful to my circle of friends who were there supporting me that night.
423C South 6th Street, Cottonwood, AZ
928-963-0978
Studio Hours: 3:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday
or by appointment
928-963-0978
Studio Hours: 3:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday
or by appointment
