McKinney, Texas – June 1, 2006

“THE SWEET RIDE”

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Christine Dial brings her distinctive compositional sculptures to Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte. “The Sweet Ride” will premiere at a reception on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 7pm to 10pm, and will be on display in the gallery through July 5, 2006.

Throughout her artistic career, Dial has been intrigued by shapes, colors, and textures and the manner in which disparate materials can be fashioned into a coordinated work of art. After fruitfully creating three-dimensional woven wall hangings, Dial progressed into more compositional work, combining paint with fiber and industrial materials.

“The Sweet Ride” is the third progression in a genre that has evolved over the last 10 years. In the first phase, Dial designed and successfully sold wearable art pins, using buttons, laminate, fabric, leather, paint, and vinyl.

The artist cites “The Music Box Series” as the second phase in the progression. As a solicited participant in Austin’s annual Arthouse event, Dial created “The Music Box Series” in which she evolved to incorporating more industrial materials such as chains, springs, grommets, crayons and found objects. Simultaneously, Dial began to frame these various works of the series to increase their multi-dimensional effect.

In 2005, after more than 10 years in the genre, Dial suddenly envisioned art pins and music boxes of much larger proportions. Working on a grander scale and conceptualizing the use of more colors and new materials, Dial discovered hubcaps. Quotes the artist, “There are almost as many old, unusual, and imaginative hubcaps as there are buttons.” Using table saws and drill presses, Dial shapes wood that serves as a strong backing, then laminates the wood and arranges the shapes, ultimately applying color and installing the hubcap and other unusual items to complete the sculpture.

“The Sweet Ride” is a truly unique and exciting expression of art. We look forward to seeing you at Galleria d’Arte as we proudly premier Christine Dial’s creations.

Invigorating live entertainment by the renowned The Texas Gypsies will top off the evening, along with great spirits and gourmet treats.

BACKGROUND: Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is located in historic downtown McKinney and offers a wide variety of art glass, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. Galleria d’Arte is the host of “Second Saturdays” where art galleries and other downtown businesses celebrate the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food.

Galleria d’Arte hours are Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sundays and Mondays by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call the gallery at 469-742-9509.