By John Chambless
Staff Writer

Mala Galleria in Kennett Square takes a new direction this month under new ownership, and the first show, “All Creatures Great and Small,” is a nice showcase for local artists.

Sandra Severson's farm animal portraits in weathered wooden frames work well together. “Peeking Billy,” in particular, looks like the goat is peering out at you from behind a fence. Her “Barn Buddies” is a large, vertical barn board frame with a cow and two chickens, drawing the viewer into the scene. Dog lovers will appreciate the happy, wagging dog at the door in Severson's “Welcome Home.”

Sue Ciccone's “Rusty the Winter Fox” has a wise expression and a direct, riveting gaze. That gaze is echoed in Ciccone's “Marley the Sheep” and “Scotty.”

Vividly painted acrylic bird portraits by Rachel Altschuler fill one wall. Their close perspective makes every detail stand out, and the feathers glisten.

There are some wonderful ceramic sculptures by Janice Chassier that have splendidly mottled surfaces and exprssive postures. “Motherhood,” a goose with two goslings arching their necks out for attention, is particularly sweet. “Frick and Frack” captures two feisty ducks in mid-quack.

Susan Bankey Yoder's paintings of wild animals are also fine, particularly two that juxtapose wildlife and man-made junk – rusty cans and a vividly colored snake in “Canned Corn,” and a nearly camouflaged bird and the rusty hulk of an abandoned car in “Ridge Runner.”

The large gallery space works well with the selected artworks, and a new shelf area in one room makes a nice spot for displaying Chassier's ceramics, as well as pieces by artists who will be featured in the coming months and years.

Mala Galleria (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) hosts “All Creatures Great and Small” through Jan. 30. Artists Sue Ciccone, Sandra Severson, Rachel Altschuler and Janice Chassier are featured. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 484-883-5429 or email [email protected] for more information.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].