This will be the second exhibit this year featuring an 'outsider artist,' which has been a strong and intentional focus of Calliope this year. An “Outsider” is a professional artist whom has no academic training; simply put, 'self taught.' Although owner/ artists Barbara Harnack and Michael Lancaster have academic or relevant backgrounds in their own art, they have paid special attention to art they call “raw,” “Art Brut,” “Outside,” or “Folk Art.” Harnack is a graduate of Parson's School of Design,” and Lancaster a 4th generation artist paternally and 3rd generation artist maternally. It is important to note that Bonnie does not consider herself an "Outsider" nor a creator of "raw" or "Art Brut," but rather a fine artist, which she is. This has only been an opinion of Harnack and Lancaster, as they acknowledge that Bonnie is self taught.

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Digging into her inspiration, Bonnie says, “I am inspired by nature and quiet reflection. I try to put that feeling in my work. My paintings are open for interpretation because they are abstract. They are open story boards for the viewer to find their own meaning.” In process she describes, “I try not to have any intentions. I start out with a color palette and hope it sticks with me. When I apply paint the paint shows me something. I respond and add more. The work unfolds with this back and forth process. Sometimes this process is easy and sometimes not so much. When the work paints itself it is a gift but at times it takes the long way around the barn.” Bonnie paints in layers of acrylic on panel and pours of acrylic resin. Her paintings are sometimes large and often 3-5 panels. Harnack and Lancaster have exhibited and sold her art since 2021. “She has been a mainstay of the gallery and even her large paintings have been collected impulsively by total strangers."