September shows feature last summer exhibits

First Friday kicks off the Labor Day weekend with the last summer showing of art shows. At the Homer Council on the Arts, the show’s title, “From the Earth,” also will be reflected in a special event for a gallery show: a potluck reception with gifts from local harvests. Brian Grobleski’s photographs of food contrast with original earth art (as in made from) — ceramic art by David Kaufmann, Maygen Lotscher, Gundega Snepste and Jeff Szarzi. Grobleski’s photographs were featured in Eve and Eivin Kilcher’s cookbook, “Homestead Kitchen,” and he will be signing books at the show.

Also included are new solo exhibits by established Homer artists Deb Lowney and Jim Buncak. Lowney has been refining and developing her wood sculptures over the years and shows her latest work in “Going With the Flow” at Bunnell Street Arts Center. One of Homer’s most prestigious portrait and landscape painters, Buncak presents his new canvases in “From the Pallet” at Fireweed Gallery.

Elsewhere, Carrie Payne’s fabric art shows at Ptarmigan Arts, with quilts illustrating her own and folk tales. For people wanting art that can be worn and well as seen, Liz Bowen shows her Dichroic art glass and other jewelry at the Art Shop Gallery.

Art Shop Gallery

202 W. Pioneer Ave.

Fused glass and other art by Liz Bowen

5-7:30 p.m., First Friday Opening Reception

Alaskan born glass and jewelry artist Liz Bowen of Glacier Glass shows her fused glass, jewelry and metal pendants. Bowen was one of the first Alaska and American artists to use Dichroic glass, an art technique that uses metal and oxides in glass. Bowen also has a jewelry line, Aurora Fire, known for being bright and colorful. Bowen says her designs are inspired by many of the animals and natural wonders she has been surrounded by growing up in Alaska.

Bunnell Street Arts Center

106 W. Bunnell Ave.

Going With the Flow, art by Deb Lowney

5-7 p.m., First Friday Opening Reception; 6 p.m., artists talk

Noon-3 p.m., Sept. 10, Wood working workshop; fee

Of her show, “Going With The Flow,” artist Deb Lowney says it “is a study on taking the path of least resistance. This work spans the flow of liquids upon which our society is dependent and its environmental impact. In this work I am questioning my sense of responsibility to control the outcomes of the ‘flow’ versus simply allowing and enjoy the flow.”

Lowney also offers a wood working workshop noon-3 p.m. Sept. 10. Limited to 10 people, there is a $65 fee. Call 235-2662 to register.

Fireweed Gallery

475 E. Pioneer Ave.

From the Pallet, paintings by Jim Buncak

5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

Oil painter James Buncak, moved to Homer in 1984 and has become known for his portraits and paintings of local landscapes. He has taught life drawing at his Lake Street art studio and painting at Kachemak Bay Campus. His exhibits include shows in Homer, Cordova and Kenai.

Homer Council on the Arts

344 W. Pioneer Ave.

From the Earth, photography by Brian Grobleski and ceramic art by Ruby Haigh, David Kaufmann, Maygen Lotscher, Gundega Snepste and Jeff Szarzi

5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

“From the Earth” features work by photographer Brian Grobleski and ceramic art by Ruby Haigh, David Kaufmann, Maygen Lotscher, Gundega Snepste and Jeff Szarzi. The evening also includes a community potluck to celebrate the end of summer harvest. Grobleski’s photographs were featured in Eve and Eivin Kilcher’s cookbook, “Homestead Kitchen.”

Ptarmigan Arts Back Room Gallery

471 E. Pioneer Ave.

Stitched Adventures and Tales, fabric art by Carrie Payne

5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

Carrie Payne’s art quilts from a new series depict adventures in Alaska and are brought together with dimensional pieces from her fairy tale series. Journals, small art quilts, and tiny thread-drawn art quilts also are included. Carrie uses raw-edge appliqué on fraying backgrounds because, she says, “life doesn’t consist of neat, pressed, hidden edges … embracing imperfections instead of trying to fix them is much more fun.” Payne’s artwork has been featured in publications such as Art Quilting Studio, Sew Somerset, American Quilter Magazine, and Somerset Holidays & Celebrations. In addition to making art, she designs art quilt patterns and text print fabrics and teaches classes on showing the world how to create with fabric and thread.