PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 
For more information contact:  
Col Mitchell 705-646-2978 email
Matt Coles, The Framing Place & Gallery 705-789-3205  email

Date:   September 23, 2011 

Out of Trees: Contemporary Paper Art of Col Mitchell
October 1st. to December 1st.
Framing Place & Gallery, Huntsville Ontario

Paper is usually thought of as a flat surface upon which one can create different designs, but in the art of Col Mitchell, the opposite is true, as paper is used to alter flat surfaces to create added texture and form. Thus paper, which usually serves as backdrops for artists, becomes for Mitchell the central medium with which she achieves something remarkably new -- an art form that explores the depth, colour, and essence of its subject matter.

“Paper is outrageously versatile,” says Mitchell; “it brings to the process history, character, personality, individuality, and a remarkably wide range of performance levels.” The paper allows Col to explore what she calls the synergy between the paper’s versatile shapes and the subject at hand, as her work reveals the intrinsic relations between technique and content in the artistic process.

“I strive for each piece to project the internal energy inherent in all matter,” she says, “ to establish rapport, to grasp that most basic language at work; a beautiful alignment of atoms where a natural magnetism or recognition occurs; a ‘visual pheromone’ if you will.” There is certainly something pheromonal about Mitchell’s work, as one is drawn into its colours and textures and depths like a moth is drawn to light. Whatever the source of this magnetism, whether it is the colour, the design, the subject, one experiences something fundamental to the artistic process in her work.

The newest works of Col Mitchell will be featured in an exclusive show entitled "Out of Trees" at the Framing Place and Gallery from October 1st to December 1st. Opening reception takes place on Saturday, October 1st, 11am to 4pm with light refreshments served. Come and discover for yourself the visual achievement that is Col Mitchell’s art. For more information go to www.colmitchell.com. Visit www.algonquinartcentre.com for gallery viewing hours.

Mitchell’s current works focus on paper, working primarily with pen nibs, acrylic inks, and fluid acrylics. Fascinated by these altered surfaces,she explores the alluring intricate synergy between crumpled paper, acrylic washes, and extreme linear detailing. 

She was one of eight artists featured at the media centre held in Toronto's Direct Energy Centre as part of the Muskoka Corridor Experience during the 2010 G8 and G20 Summit , and in 2010 was nominated for the YWCA Woman of Distinction Awards in Arts, Culture and Creative Energy.  

An award winning artist, Mitchell studied Fine Arts at Fanshawe College, works out of her Cedar Raven Studio in Bracebridge, Ontario, and is the current President of the Huntsville Art Society (2008-11). 

Brian Smith, AOCA, Honorary Drawing Master, describes her work: "Each of us as visual artists is looking for a way to express ourselves in a manner that is unique and ownable. What I saw was a technique that was completely original, using the materials in a new and inventive way, and was on top of all of that, extremely pleasant to look at. The textures were like eye-candy and I kept coming back to it to better understand what Mitchell had created. I love it!" 

“Col is a multi-talented professional artist with a keen sense of design and colour. Her intriguing mixed-media artwork, whether small or large, has a depth and detail that begs you to look closer.” -- Donna Buchan, visual artist

“Col Mitchell's creations are beautiful, intelligent and inspiring to say the least." Carolyn Wagland, Gravity Art & Design