PA’s new Garden exhibit to feature works by regional and national artists
New exhibits will be on display at Piedmont Arts Aug. 8 through Oct 10.
The Garden, co-curated by Jorge Benitez and Reni Gower, features work by eight regional and national artists: Jorge Benitez, Ruth Bolduan, Sally Bowring, Cat Crotchett, Reni Gower, Chris Gregson, Melissa Potter and Javier Tapia.
Across the globe and from King to commoner, the garden has provided sustenance and pleasure throughout time in both corporeal and spiritual ways. As in Milton’s Paradise Lost or Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights to Monet’s Giverny or Thoreau’s Walden Pond, artists have often portrayed the garden as an ever-evolving and fertile metaphor for life colored by contrasts. Humble or grandiose; cultivated or wild; lush or arid; ornamental or medicinal; secret or shared; the garden protects and provides as much as it provokes and stimulates. No matter its form during this time of anxiety and uncertainty, The Garden offers a much-needed refuge and heartening reprieve.
In much the same way that a private enclosure or garden setting creates a sheltered contemplative respite, this uplifting and immersive exhibition offers a concrete and time proven alternative to today’s digitally mediated experience. As new research confirms, people report higher levels of health and happiness if they spend a mere 120 minutes per week in a natural setting. So inspired, The Garden can enhance your wellbeing. As it compels you to put down your phone, The Garden will refresh your spirit and quite possibly renew your soul.
Journey, featuring work by woodturner and painter Charlie Knighton, will be on display in the Lynwood Artists Gallery.
An Opening Reception in honor of these exhibits will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the museum. It is free and open to the public. Complimentary wine and light refreshments will be served. Live music by Lauren Luther. This reception is sponsored by Susan Critz, George and Jean Gautsch, Linda and Ran Isley, Sue Lester, Randy and Charlie Mattox, Betty Lou and Ron Pigg, Sue Rosser and Julie Work. Limited capacity.
RSVP attendance by Aug. 4 to (276) 632-3221 or online at PiedmontArts.org.
Piedmont Arts is located at 215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville. Museum hours are Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more at PiedmontArts.org.
