Debbie Crawford is a self-taught artist who discovered her love to make things at a very young age. Her appreciation of the arts began with admiring the richness of red clay dirt in North Carolina to discovering an array of cultures in Washington, DC.

Debbie’s style of creating mixed media collages rest heavily on her Southern roots; by employing nature as her color palette and assigning found objects, recycled papers and fabrics to complement her artwork.

Her current series entitled Comin’ & Goin focuses not only on the The Great Migration, but also on communal life of African Americans during the 1940 – 60’s (the first phase of the series). I hope each piece offers a story one can connect with. I enjoy listening and seeing the view from another’s eyes. When we share our insight, we share a part of ourselves. And to me, that’s what art is about. Connection. –Debbie C.

Armed with the theory that all are creative, Debbie also host a variety ofCreative Workshops. She is also re-launching her line of everyday notecards (Art & Soul) featuring original illustrations and photography.

As a painter, my greatest influence comes from the abstract expressionists. My work is psychologically inspired, combining both the premeditative and the spontaneous. Abstract art is largely intuitive, and this is the process that guides me.

Color composition plays a vital role in my paintings. Palette choices are made instinctually and reflect my emotional state at the time. Whether complex or simple, I am naturally drawn towards structural equilibrium. Replicated forms, both organic and geometric, are symbolic in my work but remain mysterious, their full meaning unknown.

My abstract paintings are expressions of freedom and movement, representing my life experiences. With acrylic paint and oil on masonite, an industrial material, I create compositions of vivid journeys to other dimensions. My collages and paintings afford the audience the experience of considering self and spirit and to question the influences of powers greater than our own. Using techniques that include pouring, dripping, pushing and pulling, stopping and starting, to create the effects of blending and separation, masterfully bringing ethereal expressions and thoughts to life.

“My artwork is both a physical process of movement and stillness. My hands work freely, naturally, while my mind focuses on the design, the colors and the textures. In this manner my mind, spirit, and soul are communicating as one entity. As I create, the abstract is limitless and creativity seems endless.”

Showing July 4th-July 25th

Constance Pappalaro was born in Lima, Peru. She moved to New York City at the age of eight. The art and culture of the city inspired her to pursue her art studies. After high school, Ms. Pappalardo studied painting at The Art Students League and subsequently continued her education at The School of Visual Arts, in Manhattan.

Ms. Pappalardo is the recipient of various art awards. Her works are included in local corporate collections as well as private collections in the states as well as England, Norway, Germany, Italy , Portugal and her native Peru.

She was chosen to be the signature artist for Cary’s 2007 Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival.
She is one of the founders of The Cary Art Loop and is presently an active member of the abstract painters group, The ChromaZones.