Showing in the Alcove is Sprouts of Solace, fabulous, felted wool sculptures by Portland artist Karen Thurman. These contemporary organic forms are playfully abstract expressions of the natural world and gently suggest plant and animal forms that stretch the imagination. Their cheerful color combinations and whimsical shapes seem to exude optimism and bring a welcome dose of levity into the world. The artist hopes these works will inject a bit of calm and humor into these turbulent times. 

Thurman is a longtime fiber artist who became an avid knitter as a teenager, later pursuing studies in textile design before finding her groove with felted wool. For many years she has exhibited her felted works in galleries and juried art shows around the Pacific Northwest. This is her second solo show at RiverSea Gallery.