(March, 2011—Wagoner, OK) Wooden Reflections, New Sculptures by Mickel Yantz is a new exhibition that provides a contemporary look at nature using traditional fine craft techniques. On view at The Canebrake from March 2 through April 2, 2011, the exhibition presents pieces showing the juxtaposition of fine woods complimented together with media carved designed glass.

The exhibition explores the symbolism of nature and life. “Many of my pieces use leaves in the design,” said artist Mickel Yantz. “Leaves represent the seasons and the cycle of life. I like using leaves carved into the glass which reflects and shadows the past of the wood I use in my sculptures. I try to pay homage to traditional woodworkers in my work while spinning a contemporary design with the inset carved glass.”

Mickel Yantz currently lives in Tahlequah, OK, but is originally from Seattle, WA.  He has shown his work in Oklahoma for the past seven years as well as Washington State, California and North Carolina. He currently is represented at the The Gallery on Sixth in Tulsa, OK. “I think having this show, which pulls so much from nature, at the Canebrake is a perfect setting,” said Yantz. “The wonderful surrounding environment and the earth friendly complex makes the artwork represent even more.”

A lot of the pieces are green in that they use reclaimed, or recycled materials. “The glass came from closing retail stores and some of the wood I use are from renovated houses,” Yantz continues. “One of my new pieces uses an old glass shelf and the wood is from a kitchen cabinet.”

Wooden Reflections, New Sculptures by Mickel Yantz takes place on March 2 through April 2, 2011 at the Canebrake at 33241 East 732nd Road Wagoner, OK.  The Opening Reception will be Wednesday, March 3, 2011 starting at 7:00PM. In addition to the reception, Oklahoma musician Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers will be performing live from 7:00 – 10:00PM.

The Canebrake is a fine dining restaurant, resort, spa and conference center with daily yoga classes, weekly live music and monthly special events located at 33241 East 732nd Road Wagoner, OK, 74467. For more information call 918.485.1810 info or please visit http://www.thecanebrake.com

After spending 25 years in Washington State, he moved to Oklahoma in 2004. He has multiple degrees in Art, Anthropology and Museum Studies. He is currently the Curator for the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK. For more information please visit http://mickelyantz.com or email at imyantz(at)yahoo.com.