Sweet Bay Gallery AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2026
Opening Reception Friday, August 14, 6-8:30 pm
This exhibition brings together five women artists working
across clay, mosaic, jewelry, and fiber art — disciplines
rooted in tradition yet alive with innovation. Though each
artist speaks through a different medium, they share a
commitment to process, material, and meaning. In their hands, matter
becomes metaphor, surface becomes story, and structure becomes spirit.
From forged metal and precious stones to layered pigment, textured clay,
and reclaimed fragments, their works challenge the boundaries between
craft and fine art. These are not simply objects of function or beauty; they
are embodiments of memory, identity, resilience, and transformation.
Through form and intention, the artists shape, adorn, disrupt, and honor
the world around them.
5 Women – 5 Voices is a vivid, tactile conversation—an exploration of
the power of feminine force through material practice. It invites viewers to
witness how the personal becomes universal, how utility becomes art, and
how five distinct voices can rise together in harmony, strength, and purpose.
The Artists
Alina Cochran Ceramic Artist / Pittsboro, NC
Through clay and mixed media, Alina Cochran explores the stories, emotions, and connections that unite us.
Her work is inspired by nature, mythology, and the resilience and beauty found in the feminine spirit. As one of
the artists featured in 5 Women – 5 Voices, she celebrates the idea that every artist brings a unique perspective
and creative language to the conversation. Together, these five voices create a rich tapestry of expression,
inviting viewers to reflect, connect, and discover meaning through art.
WEBSITE: https://alinacochran.art/ • FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AlinaCochranArt
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alinacochran/
Irena Cepulyte Ceramic Artist / Chapel Hill, NC
Originally from Lithuania, she lives and creates ceramic art by the quiet beauty of Jordan Lake and its
surrounding forest, which inspires her daily. Her art is deeply rooted in her Baltic heritage, which has
always honored the natural world. Through clay, she explores organic forms and emotional states of
life primarily in female forms. Each piece is a quiet offering — a dialogue between her and life, land and
spirit. This year Irena will be presenting some pieces from her new series “Army of Angels”- in which
each angel becomes a messenger of hope, a quiet presence reminding us that gentleness can also be
form of strength.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/irena.cepulyte
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/irenacepulyte_art/
Theresa Arico Mosaic Artist / Chapel Hill, NC
Theresa’ work explores the intersection of nature and spirit through large-scale mosaic sculptures
and murals. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and spiritual iconography, her work is created
to evoke joy and wonder. She handcrafts many of her own tiles and uses mirrored outlines to invite
movement and light into each piece. Her mosaics shimmer, reflect and respond, becoming part of the
space and moment, they are experienced. Through this interplay of material and meaning, she invites
viewers into a shared sense of aliveness and reverence.
WEBSITE: www.TheresaArico.com • FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theresa.arico
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/theresaaricomosaics
Tamara Buettner Jeweler / Pittsboro, NC
Tamara Buettner creates one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry inspired by nature and designed
to showcase the beauty of natural gemstones. Drawing from organic forms such as spirals,
leaves, and flowing lines, her work reflects the rhythm, movement, and elegance of the natural
world. Using traditional silversmithing and wire-wrapping techniques, Tamara thoughtfully hand
fabricates each piece from sterling silver sheet metal and wire. The result is distinctive heirloom
quality jewelry that highlights and celebrates the unique beauty of each carefully selected stone.
Her jewelry is designed to honor nature’s artistry while empowering the wearer to feel beautiful,
confident, and deeply connected to the world around them.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/Twisted_Bliss_Designs
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TwistedBlissDesigns
Susan Brubaker Knapp Fiber Artist / Chapel Hill, NC
Susan is a fiber artist whose work celebrates the miraculous details of nature, encouraging viewers
to pay attention and look closer. Most of her art starts with original photographs of the subjects,
or her ink drawings based on them. Botanical and nature themes (plants, insects, fish and birds)
are most common, but she also adores type and bold graphic shapes, and creates abstract pieces
focusing on color and line, or experimental surface design techniques.
WEBSITE: https://susanbrubakerknapp.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/susanbrubakerknapp
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SusanBrubakerKnappFiberArtist
