Ted Higson & Linda Humbertson Exhibition

From January 8 through February 6, the Allegany Arts Council's Saville Gallery will present an exhibition by artists Ted Higson (turned wood) and Linda Humbertson (paintings).

Ted Higson is a woodturner who creates unique handcrafted pieces from wood. His interest in woodworking started in 1970 when he began creating fine custom furniture from the Colonial era. In 2002, his passion turned to woodturning because it allowed him the freedom to be more expressive with each piece. Ted's process begins upon selection of the perfect log that has the right size, favorable color, and unique character. He carefully plans his initial cuts on the wood lathe to achieve the optimum grain pattern. Once the form takes shape, the piece is removed from the lathe and may sit for several months to a year to dry before he can complete the turning process. He takes great pride and care in his finishing process that entails multiple steps of sanding and the selection of the ultimate finish material to truly bring each piece to life. Ted's work demonstrates a beautiful contrast between the modern, clean silhouettes and the natural color, grain, and texture of the wood. He primarily likes to work with maple and cherry burls. Some of the pieces that he will be showcasing include hollow vessels, vases, bowl sets and "natural edge" bowls. Ted is a true wood artisan and hopes to share his deep appreciation for the treasures that lie within each tree.

Linda Humbertson is a native of Western Maryland and a graduate of Frostburg State University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in art and a Masters degree in Art and Art Education under the mentorship of Robert Llewellyn and Patricia Smith. Now, an arts educator who chairs the visual art department at Hyattsville Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Linda is also a dedicated painter. “The suite of abstract acrylic painting being presented combines elements of my early‘70s paintings, areas of unexpected color, fluid design structure and expressive brushstrokes while retaining hints of the landscape, “says Linda. “I search land forms and waterways to photograph and use as sketchpads focusing on subject matter that can produce tactile surfaces and a color palette of the natural environment. The viewer interprets the active media-flowing composition and connects to the time, mood, and atmosphere of the landscape.” Linda recently purchased a second home in Cumberland with a working studio and actively supports the emerging arts community in the area. She has exhibited regionally and nationally with exhibitions in Florida, the Washington, DC area, and Maryland. Her work is in the FSU art collection and in numerous private collections.

The Opening Reception for this exhibition will be held in the Allegany Arts Council's Saville Gallery at 9 North Centre Street in Downtown Cumberland's Arts & Entertainment District on Saturday, January 10, from 6-8PM. The Opening Reception is free and open to the public, and both artists will be in attendance. For additional information, please call 301-777-ARTS (2787).