A reception for Artist Katie Richardson’s “Sheltered,” a series of abstract sculptures, will be held at the Easthampton City Hall Gallery on September 4th from 5 - 6 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

In “Sheltered,” Richardson explores abstract images of nests, homes, and other intimate spaces through the manipulation of glass and steel, using techniques including cold forming, forging, and welding.

The artist hopes to “push the boundaries of scale” by varying the size of each piece. By making her glass work over a stationary, oxy-propane torch, Richardson creates both very intricate and detailed pieces, as well as larger forms.

When not abstract steel sculptures, Richardson coordinates Get Up Get Down, a youth arts program that engages local youth in art and activism. She also founded Spark! Art Share, a program similar to a community supported agriculture (CSA) model that sells local art shares rather than produce. Richardson is on the Board of Artisans of WMASS Public Education and also teaches English as a Second Language.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Richardson earned her B.A. in art and music from Hampshire College and her Masters of Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She currently resides and works in Hadley.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The City Hall Gallery is located in Easthampton’s Municipal Building at 50 Payson Avenue on the 1st floor, Easthampton, MA. The gallery is open Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information, please see EasthamptonCityArts.com.