Nature-inspired exhibit: Pattern, Power, Chaos and Quiet

The Housatonic Museum of Art is pleased to present its next exhibition, Pattern, Power, Chaos and Quiet, a group show curated by D. Dominick Lombardi.  The exhibition will be on view February 22 through March 31, 2018, with an opening reception on Thursday, February 22nd from 5:30 to 7pm at the museum, located on the Housatonic Community College campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd, in Bridgeport. 

Eight artists will be featured in the show: Gloria Garfinkel, Brenda Giegrich, Sandra Gottlieb, Nolan Preece, John Lyon Paul, Mark Sharp, Susan Sommer and Martin Weinstein.  The works take nature as its subject, and through a prism of personal, political or technological concerns, each artist strives to portray the very essence of nature.

The artists’ interpretations of the natural world range from magical and quiet to alarming and threatening.  Through their use of brilliant color, dramatic shape, chaotic pattern and assemblages of wood and paint, these artists challenge us to rediscover the beauty and power that nature wields, and our place within its path.

“Technology continues to change our relationship with nature. Quite frankly, the speed with which technology continues to advance seems in direct proportion to our destruction of nature,” said Robbin Zella, Executive Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. “Depression and anxiety is on the rise, especially with younger generations who spend their free time on screens rather than outdoors. Our hope is that this exhibition will allow viewers to re-think what is beautiful in nature, and perhaps protect and preserve it.”

Pattern, Power, Chaos and Quiet will be on view through March 31, 2018.  The artists will be present at the opening reception on Thursday, February 22 from 5:30-7:00pm, where programs in connection with the exhibition will be announced.  Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, Thursdays until 7pm, Saturday, 9am – 3pm.  For more information visit www.HousatonicMuseum.org or call (203) 332-5052. This exhibit was organized through Katherine T. Carter & Associates.

The Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA) is home to one of the premier college art collections in the United States.  Its collection offers students and the community alike the opportunity to view works that span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary.  Unique to the Housatonic Community College campus, this permanent collection is on continuous display throughout the 300,000 square foot facility, offering a rare opportunity for both art enthusiasts and casual observers to view and interact with the art on a daily basis.  Visit www.HousatonicMuseum.org to learn more.