Mary Byrne and Laura McPherson – Featured Artists at the Harbor Gallery in Cape May – Opening Reception August 5th

The Harbor Gallery is pleased to announce their featured local artists for the month of August. Potter, Mary Byrne and jeweler, Laura McPherson will display their works for the entire month of August, with an opening reception to meet the artists on August 5^th from 4-6pm. Light refreshments will be served. The Nature Center will follow all CDC Covid safety guidelines.

Mary Byrne is a clay artist who is influenced by the ever-changing sea and shoreline. “My three-mile daily walks on the beach inform my work. I’m inspired by the natural forms of shells and seaweed, by the colors of the sea and the worn driftwood found on the beach.” Explains Mary. In her Town Bank studio she creates colorful ceramic shells, starfish and other nature inspired sculptural forms, often with melted glass accents. These handmade pieces are incorporated with found driftwood to create unique intricate coastal wall art and sculptures. Mary’s skill at the potter’s wheel is evident in her bowls and platters. Created in the colors of the sea, they are adorned with her handmade starfish and other sea creatures. Mary’s work is brought together by her sense of movement, an obvious nod to the ebb and flow of the tides. This is evident in her abstract sculptural pieces as well as her larger vessels. This show will also feature Mary’s elaborate ceramic wind chimes. Her work can also be found at The Madd Potters’ Studio in Cape May.

Artist Laura McPherson, a proud local native of West Cape May, celebrates her artistic talents in a variety of mediums. Though pottery and jewelry making are her passions, you can find Laura working with pen and ink drawings for local businesses as well as other 2 dimensional creations. Inspired greatly by her generations of rich family history and breathtaking natural environment that surrounds her on Cape Island. “Every piece of work I do has a little bit of that pride and love I have for the land and sea where it’s made. Like me, my art is locally grown here in the southern part of the Garden State where my family has called home for generations.” Explains Laura. She is also a multi-talented  teacher in the community.

The Harbor Gallery will feature two local artists each month with an opening reception on the first Friday of the month. September’s exhibit will feature the work of Laura Starrett and Louise Zemaitis. Art lovers are encouraged to come and meet artists at the Nature Center of Cape May from 4-6pm on the first Friday of the month and then head over to The Gallery at Ferry Park for their artists’ opening reception which runs from 5-7pm on the first Friday of the month as well.