Harmonic Chaos | Block Gallery Exhibition

Harmonic Chaos is a two-person show featuring the colorful works of artists Martha Thorn and Tonya Solley Thornton. Each artist approaches their work with different intention, but both have mastered their mediums. While Thorn’s painted layered method is a controlled chaos, it is in Thornton's chaotic approach to making where the similarities in their practices intersect.

Artist Reception

Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

At first glance, the exhibition Harmonic Chaos is a multicolored and playful body of works with its bright hues and whimsical collages. But don't dismiss these two artists' sophisticated use of the mediums and technical accomplishments simply because of their dazzling use of color, texture, and shape.

Both Thorn and Thornton demonstrate the highest artistic merit in the way they work with their chosen materials. They embody the commitment to their craft and push the boundaries of traditional working methods.

Artwork by Tonya Thornton titled "goodluck" — *Goodluck* by Tonya Thornton

Artwork by artist Tonya Thornton titled "Softly" — *Softly* by Tonya Thornton

Artwork by artist Tonya Thornton titled "Sentimental Rest Stop" — *Sentimental Rest Stop* by Tonya Thornton

Artwork by Martha Thorn titled "Tree with Thirteen Droplets and Necklaces" — *Tree with Thirteen Droplets and Three Necklaces* by Martha Thorn

Artwork by Martha Thorn titled "Morning Transformation (Green)" — *Morning Transformation (Green)* by Martha Thorn

Artwork by artist Martha Thorn titled "Transformation (Yellow)" — *Transformation (Yellow)* by Martha Thorn

Visiting the Exhibition

The exhibition will be displayed from May 7, 2025 until July 5, 2025.

Time: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday and for City Holidays.
Parking: Visitors can park in the Municipal Complex Parking Deck at 201 W Morgan St. Raleigh, NC 27601
Where: Block Gallery, 222 W. Hargett St. (inside Raleigh Municipal Building)
- Before visiting, please review the Raleigh Municipal Building rules
Cost: Free and open to the public

About the Artists

Martha Thorn

Placing a high value on intuition and materials, Thorn makes paintings that employ multiple paint application techniques to layer high-chroma drips, sprays, and paint pours. Planes of colors serve as comforting places to land in peace before the next wave of confusion. Thorn is a full-time painter residing in Raleigh, NC. She received a BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design from Western Carolina University. Thorn is the recipient of a United Arts Council grant. She has exhibited work in group and solo exhibitions at Cameron Art Museum, GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art, The Carrack Modern Museum, and other venues throughout the Southeast. Thorn currently has a studio at Anchorlight Studios in Raleigh, NC.

Instagram: @marthathorn
Website: marthathornart.com

Tonya Solley Thornton

Thornton’s work is deeply rooted in play and experimentation with her studio materials. She often works with found objects and fabrics sourced from thrift stores and flea markets. Using collage and found-object sculpture, she explores the expressive potential of shape, color, and texture, allowing the found materials to guide her compositions. She earned her BFA from Florida State University and her MFA from Mills College in Oakland, CA. She has received several awards and fellowships, including the United Arts Wake County Artist Support Grant. She has had solo exhibitions at Anchorlight and the Durham Art Guild and has participated in group exhibitions at CAM Raleigh, Artspace, Lump, Peel Gallery, Wilson Arts Center, and the Durham Art Guild.

Instagram: @tonya_solley_thornton
Website: tonyasolleythornton.com