EleMar, Worldwide Distributor of Architectural Stone, Adds Shona Gallery of African Sculpture to Its New England Offerings

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EleMar New England, part of EleMar USA, which distributes unique domestic and imported stone for architectural applications – announces the grand opening of a breathtaking addition to its line: imported African sculpture and other artwork from Shona Gallery, an ideal and unique holiday gift.

Visitors to EleMar's New Haven gallery will now find not only an unparalleled collection of highest quality imported granite and marble – in addition to Tuscan-style wood-burning ovens imported from Italy – but also superb stonework and sculpture from southern Africa. Each piece is unique, handcrafted by artists from townships in Zimbabwe, who are independently represented by Shona Gallery in the United States. There are more than 200 pieces on display, representing dozens of artists and styles.

"Although Shona sculpture emerged in the 1960s to a limited global audience, of late it has transcended into a truly international art form," says Steve Loitz, proprietor of the Shona Gallery. "It isn't simply considered great African art, but great art in the broadest sense. 

Today's sculpture represents decades of merging African themes and ideas with European artistic training."

Loitz spent decades traveling to Africa and importing artwork, developing deep personal ties with many leading Shona artists.

The partnership between Shona Gallery and EleMar began with a friendship between Loitz and EleMar's president, Carl Harris. Because the material used for almost all Shona stonework – Serpentine – is itself unique, Harris has noticed growing interest among his clientele, including decorators, architects and homeowners. Many have expressed interest in having African sculpture available in the same location as EleMar's imported line of Italian wood-fired ovens and exotic marble and granite slabs.

The most commonly used material for Shona carving, Serpentine is found along a 300-mile backbone through the heart of Zimbabwe. Abundant deposits mean artists have a wide range of colors and hardnesses with which to work, from black serpentine to reddish browns, green and several gold-flecked varieties. Additionally, Shona Gallery's collection features work composed from other highly prized indigenous stones like Verdite and Butter Jade.

Visitors to the newly reopened gallery will find artwork based on themes from African folklore, as well as contemporary and abstract work. For additional information online, browse www.shonagallery.com and www.elemarnewengland.com.

For images and interviews, please contact:
Chris Sullivan, 914.462.2096, [email protected]

SOURCE Shona Gallery