- By Matthew P. Binkewicz
- Entertainment
Print 
Three artists, Caroline Spellman, Cuba Ray and Katrina McDonald Binkewicz, displayed their work in the elegant and stately living room and dining room at the Federal House. Nature and its quiet beauty was the theme of these artists’ works. Each work carried its own story that captured the artist’s understanding of the subject in uniquely different ways.
Caroline Spellman, who lives in Groton, specializes in quilling. This craft, also know as paper filigree, has been practiced since the Renaissance. Narrow strips of paper are rolled into coils, shaped and glued into place. In early days, monks and nuns decorated religious icons with quilling made from gilded trimmings thereby giving them a look resembling metallic inlay.
Caroline pauses for a lighter moment
Today, many quillers use colored paper to design both secular as well as religious art. Caroline’s interest in this craft began in the early 1970’s. While touring an art exhibit, she saw a quiller at work and started to ask the artisan some questions. She purchased a book and soon found herself fully immersed in the art. The subjects in her works are birds, fish and flowers indigenous to upstate New York.
She recently left her position at Cornell University in order to devote more time to this ancient art. When this reported ask Caroline why she would leave a secure position at Cornell, she replied with a grin on her face, “I love quilling. It is my hope that those who look at my work discover an appreciation for the craft as well as a love for the subjects I depict.” Caroline’s work is featured at “Handworks” on the commons in downtown Ithaca.
Caroline Spellman’s artistic creation
Cuba Ray discovered her artistic talent as a young girl growing up in Iowa. Encouraged by her parents, she pursued her love of drawing and eventually majored in painting as an undergraduate in college. Growing up in America’s heartland, Cuba fell in love with nature and its raw beauty. She shares that same love of nature in her paintings. Her studio sits on the banks of Salmon Creek just a hundred yards from Ludlowville falls. Her works are natural scenes, inspired by the beauty of the region.
She tries to capture a moment in time-the rustle of wildflowers in a field-and stretch that moment in a timeless manner. “I look at a field or gaze across the lake, and I hold time still; I capture the moment for all eternity.” Her vibrant colors and impressionist influence make the canvas come alive and delight the viewer with what she hopes to capture. Cuba’s work is currently on display at Tompkins County Trust on Triphammer Road and will be featured in a November show at the Upstairs Gallery.
Cuba Ray (left) holds one of her paintings while Karen Edelstein offers a helping hand
The third artist featured at the Federal House was Katrina McDonald Binkewicz. Katrina began to draw and sketch from childhood. Encouraged by her parents and teachers, she pursued fine arts in high school and majored in painting at Hamilton College.
Katrina’s work also focuses on nature, with an emphasis on the color patterns and shapes during sunsets. Her paintings capture the range of colors that one often associates with this event. In her work, one finds hidden surprises in coloration and presentation.
Katrina puts the finishing touch on a pastel
The show was a wonderful event. Visitors had a rare opportunity to watch the artist at work and converse in an informal environment while enjoying the artistic and historic beauty of The Federal House Bed and Breakfast.
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