“To ‘strike a chord’ is defined as evoking an emotional response,” according to artist Catharine Carter. “For me the idea of Mystic Chords are ones that vibrate or resonate deep within one’s soul.” Carter uses photographic montage and mixed media to compose storytelling narratives that explore deep feelings in order to awaken dreams and memories.  “By exploring my inner landscape,” she declares, “I can address my insecurities, fears, hopes and dreams to find harmony and balance, insight and inspiration.”
 
Artist Jude Lobe’s work for Mystic Chords is an eclectic mix of painting and sculpture, an appreciation of the natural world and the humans – past and present – who live in it. “Shamanic tradition refers to All That Is, as the Web of Life where nothing happens in a vacuum. One thought or action affects another. Everything, living and non-living, is inter-connected.” Lobe refers to them as Mystic Chords, and feels that recognizing this inter-connectedness is essential for creating a sustainable and equitable way of life. “My artworks in this show are my abstract expressions of nature.”
 
“I still feel new to the gallery and to the art world as a whole,” says woodworker Pete Rodrigues. “For the last 26 years, I have created pieces out of wood.” However, becoming a member of the gallery has allowed me to be more creative, using my imagination to discover new possibilities. The process of pushing the boundaries of creativity and design within my pieces of furniture is what motivates me as an artist. For my upcoming show I’m excited about what this year's growth has led me to create!” 
 
Mystic Chords will be on display at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts from April 23^rd through May 26^th, with an opening reception during Hillsborough’s Last Friday Art Walk on April 26^th from 6-9pm.
 
About the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts
The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is owned and operated by 21 local artists and represents these established artists exhibiting contemporary fine art and fine craft. The Gallery's offerings include painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, photomontage, jewelry, glass, metals, encaustic, enamel, and wood. 121 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 732-5001. The gallery is open 10am-6pm Monday - Saturday, and 12pm-4pm on Sunday. More information can be found on the HGA website: http://www.HillsboroughGallery.com