art

Laura Wilder’s block print is now on display at Dalton’s

Think back to a simpler time. A time before the Internet? Further. A time before television? No, further still.

A time when life itself was simpler. Back when “google” was a funny word for a large number, and not a commonly accepted verb. Hard to picture, isn’t it?

Rochester artist Laura Wilder paints the picture for us quite well with her natureinspired color block print art that will be showing through July 31 at Dalton’s American Decorative Arts, 1931 James St.

Wilder’s work is reminiscent of the pieces resulting from the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. “Nature is an inspiration that original artists of this movement had,” says David Rudd, who operates the gallery with Debbie Goldwein.

During the end of the 19th century, the industrial revolution brought the assembly line and the ways of production, business and life changed dramatically. “The Arts and Crafts movement was a response to the industrial revolution. The quality of life was diminishing,” Rudd says. “The movement was getting back to a simpler life.”

Although Wilder hails from Rochester, and has shown her block print art around the country, this is her first show in the Syracuse area. The artist will be at Dalton’s for a meet-and-greet event on Friday, July 8, 5 to 8 p.m. “We’re asking for a phone call RSVP by the end of the day on Wednesday, July 6,” Rudd says with a laugh. “We don’t want to end up with 300 people.”

All of the artwork is available for sale, ranging from $180 to $800. While the antique shop’s merchandise is out of the price range of most of the local community, Rudd hopes that Wilder’s appearance, as well as the show itself, will reach out to the local community. “I like to do the art shows to remind people we’re here,” Rudd says. “Not only is almost everything in the store made here in America, but a lot of this stuff is made locally.”

So if you’re in the Eastwood area, stop by Dalton’s to admire Wilder’s work. “Shows like this reintroduce people in the community to the store,” Rudd says. “I would really like to have more of a local following.”

Dalton’s American Decorative Arts is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For details, call 463-1568.