The annual Landscape and Memory show is again at the Godfrey Dean, bringing the best work from local artists together for the month of June. The show opened to a full house at the gallery, and executive director Don Stein says it might be the best year so far.
"The work is so strong and so diverse. There are some very accomplished pieces here," Stein says.
The show is a real mix of people through the community, with a wide spectrum of ages, styles and mediums represented. It also showcases some well known local artists as well as others who have never shown in the gallery before.
"It's one of the really striking things about the show, there are so many people who you are introduced to that you didn't know," Stein says.
The variety is another highlight, with people working through a wide cross section of different styles and forms. Stein says that he's personally happy to see painting make a resurgence in the show, but that he's also glad to see such a wide spectrum of mediums being embraced, whether it's crafts like gloves or the highly detailed wood carvings of Walter Oucharek.
The success of the Landscape and Memory shows are and indication that this is something that the community needs, Stein says.
"It's so important for the gallery to have this commitment to the community, but at the same time the need is so clear and the community is so prolific and there's so much strength in it there needs to be an outlet for it to be shown. That makes me think that it's both healthy for the community, but that the gallery is also being a responsible citizen and opening the doors so the community is being engaged."
The show is also important in helping artists develop, as it provides an opportunity for people to meet, discuss their work and learn from each other. Stein says that the wide range of ages both in the show and observing are also a highlight, because it shows that the city has a healthy art community that can continue to grow into the future.
Landscape and Memory runs for the month of June. Admission is free.
