taylorsville

A Meet the Artists Reception will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 3:00pm until 4:30pm in the Lucas Mansion Gallery (316 Hiddenite Church Road in Alexander County). The event, which is free to attend, will feature light refreshments, the opportunity to visit with the artists, and musical entertainment by Zephyr woodwind ensemble (of which Regina Bruns is a member).

During the month of May/June 2019, the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center’s Lucas Mansion Gallery will feature an exhibit by husband and wife team, Richard and Regina Bruns. Their exhibit, “Second Act,” will feature a wide variety of mediums reflecting the unique talents of each artist.

Richard and Regina Bruns moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina after retiring. Prior to moving Richard had spent 15 years enjoying woodcarving, but that was no longer feasible so he decided to switch to painting and enrolled in a drawing class. It was enjoyable and challenging and he quickly became embroiled in the craft. He spent more than 4 years under the tutelage of two local and professional artists, attended countless classes, read “how to books” and works daily on his paintings.

For Richard, painting is extremely challenging, but also extremely rewarding. “When I paint the hours slip by seamlessly and I feel tremendous joy, because I’ve experienced a sort of nirvana, a state of pure pleasure,” said the artist. “The fact that a decent painting may be produced is a wonderful bonus, hopefully also for the viewer.”

Regina sewed all her life and joined the Brushy Mountain Quilt Guild after moving to Taylorsville. The quilting “bug” was ignited. She attended many North Carolina Quilt Symposiums and workshops and in the process learned many different techniques. Her favorites are hand applique and quilting. She has now started adding some fiber arts to her repertoire.

“I have always had a love affair with fabric and color,” shared Regina Bruns. “Working with the colors and shapes makes me feel like a little girl playing with paper dolls. When I am working on flowers, insects and nature I become more aware of the small things that make each item unique.”