By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association

A new exhibit has opened at Warsaw City Hall that you will want to visit. A bit different, yet intriguing, is the world of Teresa Carrano-Smith and the art she has on display. Carrano received an education with a fine arts major at the University of Louisville but turned her creativity toward news reporting and publishing, working in this field since 1984.

She has been a journalist and graphic designer for several regional newspapers and currently is the editor of the Tribune-News. Her creative abilities also extend to photography.

Later, a latent spark of a different type of creativity came to life as she began drawing and calling on her fine arts background in her spare time. Soon this was a roaring blaze and we have the results exhibited for all to enjoy through mid-march.

Many of you will recognize her photo as she has covered many of the varied events of all our lives in both Kosciusko and Whitley counties. Intricate designs, many of which tell a story and involve your imagination, abound in each piece. No two designs are alike and each is incredibly detailed and attractive to the eye.

Most of the work is in black on white and the bright red frames add a distinctive touch and validity to the title you see listed above — Black, White and Read.

Carrano says she “starts with a blank page as a writer and newspaper page designer which met my creative tendencies for many years. However, for the last two years I’ve taken pencil and pens back up because the designs in my mind insist upon manifestation.”

You are invited to view each piece and create your own story behind it.

Should you wish to contact Teresa about purchasing her work you can reach her at [email protected].

“I like the crisp, clear lines of illustration,” Carrano says, “Just as I like crisp, clear letters on the page of a newspaper. These works are smallish at 8-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches and take several hours to complete. Most newspaper published photographs are about this size, too. There’s a lot of information to be seen. I also like the small size because viewers are invited to get closer to each piece.”

“If I’m not photographing nature I’m drawing it and I hope viewers read my love of the outdoors, the planet and the cosmos in the work. I also like to add recognizable human elements, facial features or a hand gesture here and there.”

Upcoming and Current Events:

• Teresa Smith’s unusual exhibit is now open. Visit at Warsaw City Hall Gallery. Free Admission 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
• Christmas Boutique now open at Lakeland Art Gallery, Pierceton, 107 Main Street. 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Note: several great workshops are available for adults and kids. Call (574) 594-9950 for info.
• Questions about items in this column can be directed to this newspaper or contact Darla McCammon at [email protected].