I Want to Believe

The Narfs (Jeremy Murray and Nicole Betters) are self-taught artists who grew up a block away from each other in the Monongahela River Valley. Drawing inspiration from nature, cartoons, folk art, and the Appalachian landscape, the Narfs create artwork that reflects life around them. Their artwork builds strong emotional connections with their viewers through their use of subjects and materials found throughout their lives. They regularly use pieces of the past in their present artwork to help express their outlook on conventional themes. These "pieces" can be sustainable materials, childhood memories, track side trash, yesterday's conversations, or sights seen on their journeys. 

Nicole transforms thousands of plastic bags, without the use of patterns, into tangible art that introduces the viewer to a nontraditional medium. Her artwork captures the viewer's attention and invites them into a magical world. Nicole works primarily with crocheted plastic bags which are "harvested" and processed into an alternative medium, PLARN (plastic yarn), that is used to create unique sculptures. Jeremy mashes mediums and layers paint onto handmade surfaces. Jeremy pays close attention to specific details and playfully ignores others. With bold colors and crude lines to manifest feelings of nostalgia and familiarity toward objects and patterns, Jeremy's artwork highlights the commonly overlooked. 

The Narf's are emboldened by each other's energy, hopeful and lost in their creative processes. Fully immersed in an artful life, the pair has organized and executed several independent exhibitions with the support of their devoted, local following.

"I want to believe we choose to ignore the check engine light while we explore the dark and endless night. Hours fly by as miles turn over. Fully submersed in life. The

Narfs mosey through a realm of candid moments and stacked snapshots laid over dream-like backdrops. Foraged materials, manipulated and presented colorfully.

Storytelling using nostalgic subjects, mystic messages, and a medley of mediums to guide you along. 

Enjoy the show... You're right where you belong."