January is almost over and the days are a little longer, the sun is a little stronger and spring and sugaring can’t be too far off. Thursday, February 1 is the date for the next “Meet the Artist” reception at the AIR Gallery, 10 South Man Street, St. Albans, from 4:30 to 7pm. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the AIR Gallery is just the place to find the perfect gift for a special someone. Silver jewelers, potters, woodworkers and fiber artists stock the shelve and the walls are hung with fine art, paintings and photography. Come and meet our featured artists as they talk about their work, technique and inspiration. Our featured artists for February are:

Marcia Blanco, who was originally trained as a medical illustrator, has expanded her realistic/representational style to include the more expressive medium of printmaking. Each hand-pulled print is a unique original.

Barbara Colgrove’s life has always revolved around the visual arts as a path of creative expression and communication. Her pottery emphasizes her interest in decorative patterns and design, and conveys her belief in the magic within the transformation from wet earth to beautiful objects which can be held and used.

Rebecca Nase Chomyn has studied and worked as a metal sculptor for a number of years. Her free-flowing, organic pieces demonstrate this artist’s ability to replicate nature, one unique piece at a time.

Shelby Jones’ appreciation for quality, hand-made things informs the work produced in this artist’s studio. Long-lasting, functional household objects such as cutting boards are designed and fabricated using a variety of beautiful woods.