Taber's Folklore Inspired Art and Shadow Boxes at Depot Theatre Gallery

Wall of Taber Artwork — One wall at the Depot Theatre Gallery displaying some of the Taber’s artwork.

When I look around at the Taber exhibit in the gallery at the Depot Theatre some of the ideas and words that come to mind are: whimsical; slightly dark; mysterious; fairy tales; macabre; magic; hidden things…

The boxes hanging below the framed prints and paintings are curious items. Each one is different and created with interesting pieces, but they all seem to have secrets hidden within them. Whether it’s a little compartment, a device that moves, or perhaps a message that reveals itself at a certain angle or if you look hard enough each is unique. I’m not sure if I heard this term referring to them, but I think of them as shadow boxes–an appropriate name for the mysterious creations.

Taber Artwork — Two pieces from the Taber Exhibition at the Depot Theatre Gallery. Can you see the snakes in the bottom portrait? No? Then maybe you should go to the exhibit to get a closer look.

I have to admit that I loved the framed artwork much more because I have a certain fondness for fairytales and folklore, of which I noticed several works were inspired by. I could recognize Snow White and her apple, Alice falling down the rabbit hole, and Little Red Riding Hood with the wolf lurking in the background amongst other prints with magical elements.

One piece that was particularly startling was a portrait of a woman who at first glance appeared elegantly beautiful but a closer look revealed that her coiffed hair was made of snakes. Perhaps the gorgon Medusa from Greek myth served as some inspiration? A very clever optical illusion!

One admirer of the collection eloquently stated the feelings that it evoked in her, and she invites other like-minded individuals to come experience the same:

“This show is just beautiful. The title, “Moonshine Revelers & Shades of Night” is very apt, as each piece made me nostalgic for those moments in childhood when I would explore unknown woods, or tackle the monsters that came to hunt in my room. I highly suggest that anyone that loved fairy tales, or imaginative romps in the backyard, should come see the show.” ~Alyssa Carroll

About the Exhibition

Tory and Norm Taber of Chazy, NY, created this current joint exhibition at the Depot Theatre Gallery. Their exhibit “Moonshine Revelers and Shades of Night” will be hosted at the theatre from June 14 through July 9. Check out the teaser below provided by the Depot Theatre to entice you further if you’re not already planning to visit.

In their latest body of work, the Tabers have diverged from their usual collaborative children’s illustration work to explore personal avenues with themes of hidden spaces, concealed magic and cryptic storytelling that ask the viewers to fill in the empty pages. The works in this show are comprised of paintings in acrylic on paper, digital prints, and assemblages “boxes” utilizing found objects.

Get a glimpse of the gallery in the collection of photos below (click for larger image):

A unique and dark piece: John Wilkes Booth and bird skull.

A "Little Red Riding Hood" inspired Taber piece. — A “Little Red Riding Hood” inspired Taber piece.

A close-up of one of the shadow boxes on display.

Gallery Director Amy Guglielmo greeted guests at the reception.

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About Katie Shepard

Passionate about reading and writing stories, Katie Shepard enjoys discovering more about her home while writing and editing for Essex on Lake Champlain. Katie graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011 where she studied English literature, philosophy, and Asian studies. Her first book Essex, New York Architecture: A Doodler's Field Guide was published in 2015. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, or at Linked.in. Or email her at katie [@] essexeditions [dot] com.