Gail Miller

"Nature's Bounty," the April-May show at the Top Shelf Gallery, opens officially April 12 with an artist's reception at 1p.m. and features photographs, paintings, collage, and embroidery by Franklin artist, Gail Miller. Although Miller works in a variety of media, all her work focuses on the natural world, landscapes, flora, and fauna.

She describes herself as "always interested in nature" and enjoys skiing, kayaking and cycling in her leisure time. Twenty-five years ago, she began capturing the outdoors she loves in photographs and oils.

She paints rural landscapes and produces photographs of outdoor scenes as well as portraits of birds, amphibians, and a wide variety of plants and fungi. "I feel that I have a natural eye for photography," she says, "and do not use AI." Her photos have appeared in The Last Green Valley and the Franklin Agricultural Commission calendars.

A self taught artist, she has recently become more experimental, while still enjoying traditional media. "About five years ago I began creating art using feathers, rabbit fur, leaves and other natural occurring material," she said. The results include lively and richly colored images of birds and animals.

Miller also does embroidery and enjoys a variety of other artful and useful fiber arts, including spinning yard, knitting and crochet. This blend of the practical and the decorative runs thorough all her productions as does her love for the natural world.

"I collect beach stones and shells to make jewelry and art on canvas or whatever is suitable," she says, noting that she made a patterned walkway using beach stones and that she uses beads to make bracelets and necklaces.

Inspired by the natural world, Miller treats art and craft, photography, paints and fibers with equal pleasure and enthusiasm. She has exhibited her works at the Norwich Arts Center as well as several craft fairs.ÊNature's Bounty will be her first solo show. https://gailmiller.artstorefronts.com/

The Top Shelf Gallery is at Fletcher Memorial Library, 257 Main Street, Hampton. Info at 860-455-1086.