‘When things fall apart’ is a mixed media installation that examines material fragility and resilience. Frayed threads, clay scraps, and dried plant fragments live comfortably among the vessels and artwork, acting as a metaphor for our own weaknesses, strengths and lifespan. Viewers are asked to reconsider their relationship with impermanence as the alcove of Melba Studios offers an imperfect yet serene escape during the winter months, along with the hope of spring.

Mary Calarco creates fibre art pieces from repurposed cotton that have been dyed from the sumac, goldenrod and marigold in her garden. The fibres are deconstructed, reconfigured and sewn back together as artwork and household accessories, encouraging viewers to get comfortable with their worn surfaces. The naturally dyed fabrics boldly sit in the sunlight, daring Mother Nature to alter their current state. These works are displayed with modern ceramic forms thrown by Marc LaFoy, accented with understated florals from Kim Stevens.

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Mary Calarco is a visual artist whose work integrates abstract forms and mark-marking as a means to explore repetition, deconstruction and collage. By using paint, block printing, and hand-dyed fabric techniques, she aims to reveal the vulnerabilities of both memory and materials.

Melba Studios is the interdisciplinary project and gallery space of Kim Stevens and Marc LaFoy that exists to encourage new collaboration and exploration between the ceramic/floral arts as well as the Toronto arts community.