PUTNEY, Vt. – Next Stage Arts invites the public to celebrate the opening of “METALSUM,” a new exhibition by Putney artist Jane Kolias, whose inventive sculptures and metal quilts transform discarded objects into compelling works of art. An opening reception will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, from 4-6 p.m., at NXT Gallery, located at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. The reception will feature an opportunity to meet the artist, explore the exhibition, and enjoy light refreshments. RSVPs are encouraged at www.nextstagearts.org.
Inspired by nature and guided by the materials themselves, Kolias creates rustic metal sculptures from abandoned objects gathered from antique shops, thrift stores, scrap yards, rural roadsides, woodland walks, and even the occasional kitchen drawer. Each piece begins with an idea but evolves organically as salvaged components suggest new possibilities.
“I love that element of surprise and serendipity,” says Kolias. “Although I begin each project with a design in mind, the artwork evolves naturally as new components are added. The process becomes fluid and dynamic…creating a synergistic partnership between myself and the various components.”
The resulting works celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the beauty of reinvention. Kolias generally leaves her finished sculptures unpainted, allowing the original character and weathered surfaces of the salvaged materials to remain visible.
“METALSUM” also introduces a newer dimension of Kolias’ practice: vibrant metal quilts crafted from vintage cookie tins. Drawing inspiration from traditional quilt patterns while embracing colorful reclaimed materials, these works expand her exploration of texture, pattern, color, and found-object artistry.
“Metal quilting is a new endeavor for me,” Kolias explains. “I use traditional quilt patterns for design inspiration and colorful cookie tins as a base material. This invites me to bring the dynamics of color into my design work.”
A lifelong artist, Kolias has worked across a remarkable range of creative disciplines, including theater, dance, costume design, textiles, landscape art, stonework, and hardscaping. Her artistic practice has encompassed community theater and cabaret, competitive ballroom dance, costume and wardrobe design, interior and textile arts, quilting, rug hooking, painting, needlepoint, and other crafts. She has also studied stonewall construction at The Stone Trust and developed her skills in hardscaping and rock-garden design.
Her recent focus on metalwork – including jewelry making, metal fabrication, welding, and metal quilting – brings together decades of creative experience in a body of work that is playful, inventive, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship.
Born in New Hampshire and now based in Putney, Kolias has maintained a lifelong connection to the arts as both an artist and teacher. “METALSUM” reflects that expansive creative history while showcasing her current fascination with the possibilities hidden within everyday discarded objects.
The exhibition will be on view at NXT Gallery through Nov. 8. The gallery is open during Next Stage events and by appointment with the artist. To arrange a visit, contact Kolias at juliet_kilo@msn.com or 603-703-5699, or contact Next Stage Arts at info@nextstagearts.org or 802-387-0102.