Local artist’s work featured in national exhibition
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By Haley Freeman
Janesville Messenger
JANESVILLE-Local artist, Sarah miller, will have her artwork featured in the National Collage Society’s 43rd National Juried Collage Exhibition.
The exhibition will be held at the Chandler Center for the Arts in chandler, Arizona, from Nov. 18 too Dec. 16. miller’s piece, titled “Ephemeral,” was selected from over 600 submissions from artists across the country.
“I was really surprised and excited when I found out,” Miller said. “It’s a huge honor to be included in such a prestigious exhibition.”
Miller is a mixed media artist who primarily works with collage, incorporating found objects, paint, and other materials into her pieces. Her work frequently enough explores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time.
“Ephemeral” is a layered collage that combines vintage photographs, sheet music, and delicate fabrics. The piece evokes a sense of nostalgia and fragility, reflecting on the fleeting nature of memories.
“I’m interested in how we construct our personal histories and how those histories are shaped by the objects and images we surround ourselves with,” Miller explained. “Collage is a perfect medium for exploring these ideas as it allows me to bring together disparate elements and create new meanings.”
Miller has been creating art for over 20 years and has exhibited her work in galleries and exhibitions throughout the Midwest. She is a member of the National Collage Society and the Wisconsin Visual Artists.
The National collage Society’s exhibition is a juried show, meaning that a panel of experts selects the artwork to be included based on its artistic merit. This year’s jurors were nationally recognized collage artists and educators.
“Being selected by such a respected panel of judges is incredibly validating,” Miller said.”It’s a sign that my work is resonating with people and that I’m on the right track.”
Miller hopes that her participation in the exhibition will help to raise awareness of her work and inspire other artists to explore the possibilities of collage.
“Collage is a really versatile and accessible medium,” she said. “Anyone can create a collage with materials they have around the house. It’s a grate way to express yourself and explore your creativity.”
More information about the exhibition can be found on the National Collage Society’s website at https://nationalcollagesociety.org/. Miller’s work can also be viewed on her website at https://sarahmillerart.com/.
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The Rise of Gravel Biking: A Comprehensive Guide
Gravel biking is experiencing a surge in popularity, blending the speed of road cycling with the versatility to explore unpaved roads and trails. This guide will delve into what gravel biking is, the benefits it offers, the types of bikes used, essential gear, and where to find great gravel routes.
What is Gravel Biking?
Gravel biking is a cycling discipline that takes place on a variety of surfaces, typically unpaved roads – gravel, dirt, and even light trails. Unlike mountain biking, which focuses on technical singletrack, or road cycling, which is confined to paved surfaces, gravel biking offers a middle ground. It’s about exploration and versatility, allowing riders to connect paved roads with networks of gravel and dirt paths. The appeal lies in the freedom to go further and explore more diverse terrain than conventional road cycling allows.
Why Choose Gravel Biking?
Gravel biking offers a unique set of benefits:
- Adventure & Exploration: Gravel roads frequently enough lead to scenic and less-traveled areas, providing a sense of adventure.
- Versatility: Gravel bikes can handle a wide range of surfaces, making them suitable for commuting, fitness riding, and long-distance bikepacking.
- Comfort: Gravel bikes typically feature more relaxed geometry and wider tires than road bikes, resulting in a more comfortable ride, especially on rough surfaces.
- Reduced Traffic: Gravel roads generally have less traffic than paved roads, offering a safer and more peaceful riding experience.
- Fitness: Gravel biking provides a challenging workout, building both cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.
Gravel Bikes: What to Look For
Gravel bikes differ from road and mountain bikes in several key ways.They are designed to strike a balance between speed, comfort, and durability. Here’s a breakdown of key features:
Frame Geometry
Gravel bike frames typically have a more relaxed geometry than road bike frames. This means a longer wheelbase, a slacker head tube angle, and a higher stack height. These features contribute to greater stability and comfort on rough terrain.
Tire Clearance
One of the defining characteristics of a gravel bike is its ability to accommodate wider tires. most gravel bikes can fit tires ranging from 35mm to 50mm wide, or even wider. Wider tires provide more comfort, traction, and stability on gravel roads. According to Bicycling.com, proper tire pressure is crucial for optimizing performance and comfort.
Brakes
Disc brakes are almost universally used on gravel bikes. Disc brakes offer superior stopping power and modulation,especially in wet or muddy conditions.
Gearing
Gravel bikes often feature wider gear ranges than road bikes to help riders tackle steep climbs and maintain speed on flat sections. Compact cranksets (46/30t) and wide-range cassettes (11-36t or wider) are common.
Essential Gravel Biking Gear
Beyond the bike itself, certain gear can significantly enhance your gravel biking experience:
- Helmet: Always prioritize safety with a well-fitting helmet.
- Cycling shorts: Padded cycling shorts provide comfort on long rides.
- Cycling Jersey: A cycling jersey with pockets allows you to carry essentials like snacks, tools, and a phone.
- Gloves: Gloves provide cushioning and grip.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from sun, wind, and debris.
- Repair Kit: Include a spare tube, tire levers, a multi-tool, and a pump or CO2 inflator.
- Hydration Pack or Bottles: Stay hydrated, especially on longer rides.
- GPS computer or Phone Mount: For navigation and tracking your ride.
Finding Gravel Routes
Several resources can definately help you discover gravel routes near you:
- GravelMap.com: A comprehensive database of gravel roads and routes worldwide.
- Ride Gravel: Offers route suggestions, event listings, and gravel biking resources.
- Komoot: