WEST CAPE MAY – The Cape May Artists’ Cooperative Gallery (COOP) will feature the works of fabricator, Karen Yates, during the month of August. Her show, “A Fish Out of Water,” illuminates her imaginings of a fantastical life beneath the surface of the ocean. Utilizing recycled botanicals, Yates’ fish are bright, bold and come in schools of various sizes. An artist’s reception is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the COOP located at 122 Sunset Blvd., West Cape May. Light refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to the public.
Yates has always been inspired by art and in particular; watercolors, sculpture and design. She began fabricating fish sculptures out of recycled botanicals collected from the beaches of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Ironically, her maiden name was Fish and after retirement as a college administrator, she jumped into her work with both feet and started a new career as an artist with Funky Fish Sculptures. Since then, life has gone swimmingly – she and her husband, Ken, reside in Cape May and her works are available exclusively at the COOP.
The COOP is the first and only artists’ cooperative in the county whose mission is to foster local art and contribute to the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts in Cape May County. Owned and operated by its members, the COOP carries a full selection of members’ original work including paintings, glass, photography, mixed media, jewelry, works in wood and bird carvings, clay and paper, and fiber arts. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is available behind the gallery. For information regarding shows, membership and events, call (609) 435-5253 or visit capemayartistcoop.com.