Decorah artist brings Santas, scarves to CornerHouse Gallery

DECORAH — This is a busy time of year for everyone. For artist Elea Uhl, though, who has literally crafted herself a niche in the Christmas market, the holiday are particularly hectic.

Uhl hand sculpts Santas in her Decorah home studio. No two Santas are the same. Though each has flowing white hair and beards and is dressed in earthy colors as opposed to the traditional red frocks, the Nordic-inspired likenesses of the jolly old elf wear unique expressions.

'I was just bowled away by Elea ... to see her work is like walking into another dimension. It's like walking into Christmas,' says Cedar Rapids resident and art afficianodo Bunnie Tomes, who first discovered Uhl's work when attending the North East Iowa Artist Studio Tour years ago.

That's why Tommes and a few other Uhl fans have arranged a trunk show of Uhl's work in Cedar Rapids to introduce her work in this area. The time of year isn't coincidental.

'All of her art would make wonderful Christmas gifts,' adds Tommes.

The nationally recognized artist will be at CornerHouse Gallery and Frame on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

'I love going to new areas,' she says. 'It is fun to see people's faces when they see my art. And I love sharing my process with them. I'm such a people person.'

Over the last 10 years Uhl has also started creating upcycled mittens and scarves form old wool sweaters.

'I make about 150 mittens a year,' she says. Even then, she often isn't able to keep up with the demand for them.

'Five years ago I discovered these fabulous loose fibers,' she said. Uhl turns merino, bamboo and silk fibers into exquisite cobweb felted scarves.

'It's very exciting, and I absolutely love it,' she says of making her wearable art. 'I call them artsy fartsy scarves.'

In August of this year, Uhl started also creating hammered aluminum brooches, inspired by the 'Circle of Life' petroglyphs in New Mexico. 'I've made more than 300 so far. They have gone crazy.'

While Uhl got her start with her Santas and still enjoys creating them, she is continually inspired by new ideas.

'I have a really vast range,' she says. 'And I have a wonderful time.'

The variety allows Uhl to vary her price point as well.

'I pride myself on keeping things really affordable,' she says. 'I want people to be able to enjoy my stuff. I have all different prices for all different expectations.'

Find her work online on Facebook by searching for Uhltide Creations.

IF YOU GO

What: Elea Uhl trunkshow

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday

Where: CornerHouse Gallery and Frame, 3318 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: Free