Front Room Gallery is pleased to present, “An Uncommon Thread” curated by Emma Tapley and Paul Caranicas, which explores the idea that there is a shared inherited consciousness in the practice of making art that arises from work that came before. Working within the realm of each artist’s expertise, this exhibition unravels the underlying connection of subtlety, elegance, intelligence, and lyricism that is seen in these artist’s work. Featuring works by: Caroline Burton, Nancy Cohen, Katherine Daniels, Mary Early, Susan Graham, Adelle Lutz, Leonora Loeb and Marsha Pels. On view through February 6, 2011.

Caroline Burton presents a selection of works from her series, “Drain Works” which are inspired by her familiarity with the intricacies of design and engineering of wastewater systems. Burton organizes the unfamiliar through the use of the grid, which defines a structure that holds together seemingly tenuous relationships.

Nancy Cohen is interested in the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, evident in our personal lives and our broader environment. Cohen works in processes that share these dualities and allow for the merging of material and content, creating a balance amongst each incorporated element.

Katherine Daniel’s sculptural installations embrace abstract ornamentation, with beading and jewel-tone extravagance and an attentive eye to the detail. Her ‘opulent abstract gardens’ invoke spirit and paradise and draw the viewer into a delicate world of embellished design.

Mary Early, utilizes forms selected for their use in repetition to create larger objects, which she fabricates in multiples, stacks, and secures to create a mass. Early’s sculptural works hint at naturally occurring forms, which appear seamless but when examined closely their origin is revealed.

Susan Graham uses sugar and porcelain to create delicate works that investigate the concepts of preciousness, fragility, and intense process. Graham’s sculptures and installations use repetitive acts or actions that are linked to particular psychological state, her choice of materials give the pieces a feeling of domesticity or sweetness, while the subjects are often uncomfortable.

Leonora Loeb weaves small found and manipulated elements together to create works, which contain components of a dialogue that begins to form when they are seen together. They are strong enough to suggest moments, memories, and spaces, but slightly out of the viewer’s grasp so as to never attain a narrative.

With her foundation in film and theater, Adelle Lutz creates pieces bridging sculpture, installation and performance. Using materials such as found furniture, clothing and pillowcases or, by drawing with human hair and razor wire, she subverts the mundane to explore the existential realities of war, protection, isolation and shared humanity.

Marsha Pels is known for sculptures, which include a range of labor-intensive objects, multi-media installations and outdoor site-specific pieces. “The Hitler Vitrines” are a series of six cast crystal objects in halogen-lit steel and glass vitrines. A seventh vitrine housed live eels swimming above human teeth.