Thrive: thoughts from curator Rebecca Skinner
Up next at Fountain Street is the core member exhibition Thrive, curated by Rebecca Skinner. The show will be open from January 31st until February 25th. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 2nd from 6-8 PM, and a curator talk with a panel of artists will be held on Sunday, February 11th at 2:00 PM. The curator shares her thoughts about the theme and some of the work selected for the exhibition below.
Rise by Rebecca Skinner
I was honored to be asked to curate the core member exhibit at the Fountain Street Gallery. Our 28 members submitted exceptional work with consideration of the theme.
The theme of the show, “Thrive,” came easy to me. While out photographing, I am regularly reminded of the power of mother nature. Whether I am in a junkyard or an abandoned building, "thrive" is always on my mind - I see the beauty of nature reclaiming what we have left behind. Towering trees grow within antique cars or in mills shut down many years ago. Moss, ferns and vines take over, reclaiming the forgotten structures.
While selecting work for the exhibit, I loved reading the artist statements and learning what "thrive" means to each artist. To some, thriving is not always easily attained. Allison Maria Rodriguez's piece "In the Presence of Absence" questions our ability to thrive in the face of species extinction and climate change. To others, to thrive is a reflection on personal growth. Anita Loomis stated that her painting "A Nice Place" does not merely represent her own growth, but it also serves as a panacea capable of making others in its presence feel better; when we feel better, we are able to grow and thrive. This statement exudes the positivity that I hope to bring forth in the show.
For me, "Thrive" is strength, growth and/or a sense of peace and contentment. I feel strongly that to thrive as a person, you must emanate positivity and peace.
- Rebecca Skinner