May 3-June 7, 2025
Opening Reception with the Artists: Saturday, May 3, 2025 (6-8 PM). With music by Standards Gazette.
Free and open to the public.
Party Animals is an imaginative exhibition featuring the work of two celebrated North Texas artists, Stormie Parker and Julia Mclain. This collaboration explores the delightful synergy between Stormie’s whimsical ceramic sculptures and Julia’s vintage-inspired animal paintings. Together, their works create a charming tribute to the animal kingdom—full of humor, nostalgia, and character.
The artists were inspired to create Party Animals as a lighthearted escape from today’s constant stream of stress and serious issues—wars, politics, climate change, and more. In the middle of one of the nation’s busiest metropolitan areas, the Bath House Cultural Center becomes a space for pause and play. The exhibition invites visitors to leave their worries at the door and step into a lighthearted world of wonder, where imagination and memory meet.
The show includes both individual works and collaborative mixed-media pieces that blend the artists’ distinct styles. Each artwork radiates a sense of warmth and nostalgia, calling on childhood memories and the timeless joy of animals as companions, mischief-makers, and muses. This combination of talents results in an engaging experience that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Stormie Parker is widely known for her detailed ceramic sculptures that capture the essence of animals with humor and heart. Her pieces are infused with personality—each creature feels alive, expressive, and full of story. With careful craftsmanship, Stormie invites viewers into the worlds of her creations, encouraging them to imagine their own playful narratives.
Julia McLain is a nationally recognized illustrator and graphic designer whose work draws on a deep love for vintage imagery. Inspired by the charm of old cartoons, toys, and floral patterns, Julia’s paintings radiate energy and nostalgic joy. Her vibrant animal portraits evoke the spirit of childhood, bringing a familiar, yet fresh perspective to each character she paints.
Together, Stormie and Julia have created a unique exhibition that uplifts the spirit and sparks the imagination. Party Animals is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the timeless power of art to transport us—even if just for a moment—into a more playful world.
Visit the artists’ websites at http://www.juliamclain.com and https://www.windstormstudio.com.
