"Aussie Opal," by Bluff City artist, Susan Connelly McClelland
“Aussie Opal,” a painting by Bluff City artist, Susan Connelly McClelland, was chosen for show in the National Juried Exhibition of 2020 at The Emporium Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Hosted by the Arts & Culture Alliance, the show runs from Feb. 7-28. Nearly 400 artworks were submitted with only 50 chosen by juror Jordan Ahlers, owner and director of Momentum Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina. Based on Australian opals, this mixed media abstract work highlights the landscapes present in the miniature world of gemstones.
McClelland says, “This piece represents the natural beauty of Australia. The tragedy of such a beautiful place being on ?re and knowing that 1 billion animals have died is heartbreaking to me. If the painting sells, I will donate a portion to the World Wildlife Fund Australia.”
She is a lifelong artist and a recent member of the Kingsport Art Guild. Her other work is available at Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery in Kingsport, Tennessee, and The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia. The opening reception is Feb. 7, from 5-9 p.m. with awards at 6 p.m. at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
