Vertin Gallery exhibits "Butterflies in Snow"

"Butterflies in Snow," by Carrie Flaspohler, is part of an exhibit at the Vertin Gallery in Calumet.
(Photo courtesy Keweenaw Krayons)

CALUMET -- "Butterflies in the Snow" is the theme for the March Show at Calumet ’s Vertin Gallery. The opening reception, featuring artist Carrie Flaspohler, will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Mar. 21.

Flaspohler uses nature as a metaphor, striving to communicate the beautiful, fragile and ultimately resilient nature of the human experience.

"In many of my paintings, the central iconic image represents composure, strength and hope," she stated.

Flaspohler, who has two butterfly in the snow paintings in the show, uses butterflies, birds and dragonflies as symbols of the human capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. In these paintings, she places the butterfly or bird in adverse environments such as fires, thorns or ice.

“Essentially, my work is about hope and rising above adversity,” she explained.

Kerri Corser, gallery associate for the Vertin Gallery in Calumet, has had the thought of butterflies in the snow for at least a year.

"What a miracle it would be to actually see a butterfly in the snow, when many are craving bright colors after months of snow and ice," Corser said.

Flaspohler’s paintings will be joined by brightly colored butterflies and snowflakes, created by Melissa Hronkin’s Ontonagon School ’s elementary art classes.

"These will be hanging in the side windows of the gallery during the exhibit," Corser noted.

Current hours at the Vertin Gallery, which is located on the corner of Oak and Sixth Street in Calumet, are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information may be obtained by calling the Vertin at 337-2200.