TRYON—On Saturday afternoon, Mirrorball Gallery, located at 84 Pacolet St., hosted an engaging talk featuring NYC photographer and mixed-media artist Mercedes Jelinek. The event attracted art enthusiasts and the local community, providing insight into Jelinek’s artistic process and unveiling a new series of works exclusive to the gallery. 

Jelinek resides in Brooklyn and has had her work shown in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Guggenheim. As an instructor at the Penland School and a board member, she has built connections with Mirrorball Gallery owners Alexander Page and Vincent Martinez, who also serves on the Penland board.  Jelinek opened her discussion with her mixed-media series, “Miscommunicated Secrets,” which was already on display at Mirrorball. She describes it as an artistic representation of a particularly embarrassing day from her past. Her experience dealt with a capsized catamaran while instructing three young girls in sailing.  “In moments of terror and exhaustion, like capsizing a catamaran, I realized how new experiences alter us, blending trivial thoughts with profound realizations,” Jelinek shared.

In the series, she incorporates Spencerian script to convey the secretive essence of her themes.  “Cursive is a skill that hasn’t been passed on, and I find it fascinating that many people see it as mere squiggles,” she added. “What a great way to keep a secret.” Jelinek also introduced her latest series titled “Rough Seas,” which Martinez noted is exclusive to Mirrorball. 

Read more at: https://tryondailybulletin.com/2025/04/15/mirrorball-gallery-showcases-new-work-from-nyc-artist/