Frame Gallery Gifts and Art hosts its first art exhibition of 2026, Seen & Unseen: Landscapes of Presence & Memory, opening on February 20 with a reception for the artists from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibit features two South Cumberland Plateau resident artists, Carole Forêt and Linda Kerlin, whose work offers distinct, yet complementary ways of interpreting experience through paint and mixed media.

Carole Forêt, who splits her time between Sewanee, Tenn., and Huntsville, Ala., paints the external world she finds beautiful—landscapes, cityscapes, and still life—capturing moments of beauty in various light settings through personal observation.

Based in Monteagle, Tenn., Linda Kerlin’s abstract works evolve intuitively through layered paint and wax, drawing on memory, emotion, and the unseen traces of time.

Open to the public, the reception on February 20 provides an opportunity to meet the local artists and view their works while enjoying light refreshments. The Seen & Unseen: Landscapes of Presence & Memory art exhibition will remain open through March 21, 2026.

Artists Statements

Carole Forêt

I paint with faith in God, in myself, and in the power of art to elevate the human experience. I believe God calls each of us to collaborate with Him in creation, and my work grows from that calling. Inspired by all of life—especially beauty and joy—I paint as an expression of love for God and life. Through my brush, I seek to give that inspiration back to the world in my own signature way, trusting in the quiet strength of art to uplift and connect.

Linda Kerlin

I am a mixed-media artist with over 4 decades of experience, creating sensual and poetic artworks with honesty, commitment, and fearlessness. I use design and patterns, often resembling fine tapestries, made from recycled paper and paintings, incorporating fine needle applicators to weave in a sense of desire. In my studio, I invite you to see the “extraordinary” in the “ordinary” with richly layered paintings that embody both abstraction and exploration of materials.

Born in Tennessee, I have spent my life in Michigan, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, Iowa, and Georgia. I now reside in the Cumberland Mountains in Monteagle, TN. I feel a deep connection to the land and create work that is uniquely mine. My work has been exhibited and collected in TN, NC, TX, GA, AL, and Prague, Poland. I’ve recently moved to Monteagle and continue working full-time in my art studio.