April 27th–May 26th "Since the house is on fire, let us warm our hands" New sculpture by Mike Mancarella and paintings by Sharon Feder Opening Reception on Friday, April 27th, 7-10pm Closing Reception on Friday, May 25th, 7-10pm Working in the elements of wood, metal, glass, and pigment, sculptor Mike Mancarella and oil painter Sharon Feder exhibit new work at Ironton. Mike Mancarella's work is informed by the human figure, abstracted and dissected to examine personal, social, and political ideas. The friction between self-interest, the individual’s role in society, and collectivist ideas is explored. Mancarella’s freestanding sculptures, made from metal, glass, and wood, invite the viewer to contemplate their own nature in relation to society and the expectations held by both. An expert craftsman and artist, Mancarella designs, fabricates, and produces art and architectural works internationally, both for himself and clients. Recent projects include multiple works for Donald Lipski, Bernard Venet, and Douglas Kornfeld, among many others. This is the first comprehensive show of Mike’s work at Ironton since founding the space 8 years ago. Sharon Feder's large oil paintings are abstractions from nature with reference to trees, forests, and water. The tension between the material and spiritual activates the panels; the results resist the sentimentality of many nature studies. A master colorist, she builds the surface by applying and scraping away the paint.  Feder found inspiration for these paintings in the photography of her eight-year-old son Jet. The reciprocal aesthetic influence between mother and son has contributed to a most unusual and remarkable ongoing dialogue. Feder is a lifelong painter whose work has evolved from decades of technical experience as a set designer, muralist, and studio artist. Her commissions include murals and paintings for dozens of private and public collectors both nationally and internationally. Ironton Studios is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 4, and Saturdays from 12 to 4. Next at Ironton: June 1st - June 29th John Ferguson and Heidi Jung sculpture and photography More on our upcoming events... Want to be informed about what's coming up at Ironton? Visit the contact us page and sign up for our email list. Ironton is proud to be a member of the River North Art District (RiNo). Find out more (and join the mailing list) by visiting the RiNo website at rivernorthart.com