September/October 2024
Ines Smrz on the wall
I have been a professional artist for over twenty-five years. My life-long interest in color and design was influenced by my grandmother, who would take me for long walks in my native city of Santiago, Chile.
I began my professional art career doing murals in private homes as well as commercial establishments.
Eventually I transitioned many of my designs onto wood panels, sculpting them to 3-D bas relief and hinging them together to make free-standing screens.
Since those early years, my artwork has been exhibited and sold in art galleries throughout the United States.
My most popular designs have been the Art Deco-inspired soirees with characters reflective of the times of the Great Gatsby. My designs have been influenced by the French fashion designers of the 1920s and 1930s as well as the automobiles and music of that era. Other themes have included bird groupings, polo players, mermaids, flowers, jungle scenes, horses, fish, football, and more.
The Ames Free Library is also the proud owner of two of Ms. Smrz’s murals, hanging prominently in the Children’s Room. Turn left at the top of the main stairs to view these beautiful pieces of art!
Mary Yankee in display case
Mary Yankee started in stained glass design after wanting to make her own dining room chandelier. She started lessons 45 years ago and since has developed her skill and expertise. She designs and sketches her own patterns for all her pieces. Choosing the right glass color and texture, to reflect the beauty and feel of each piece is as important as the design itself. She is inspired by the natural beauty of nature but also by the intricate lines of architecture. As an office manager for a high-tech computer company, stained glass design was a relaxing and creative way to spend her free time.
Mary displays yearly at fairs in Westport and Plainville. She is a member of the Easton Shovel Town Art Coop and Gallery where she displays many of her pieces. Mary can be reached at ladybugyankee@gmail.com.