THE UNSETTLED EARTH
The Art of Stewardship

April First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, April 1, 5-7:30 pm

Preview – Champagne Open House Saturday, March 26, 11-3

THE UNSETTLED EARTH

New work by Heidi Fowler, Karen Hubacher, Lisa Lebofsky, Elizabeth MacDonald,Grace Mitchell, Deborah Weiss & Vicco von Voss.

In Chestertown, the month of April is when the community celebrates its commitment to protecting the Earth*. As part of the town-wide events, MassoniArt opens a new exhibit “The Unsettled Earth” on March 26 that will run through April 30 as part of the events scheduled throughout the town.

The artists exhibiting in “The Unsettled Earth” have a deep connection to the concept of stewardship that is evident in their work. Grace Mitchell is known for her landscape paintings that echo the genre of the Hudson River School. “In these paintings I have responded to some of the devastating effects of one important component of the fossil fuel industry – that of coal mining – on once pristine land.” Mitchell’s inspiration can be seen in the haunting beauty of her oil paintings at once conveying the reality of the current landscape while harkening back to a more romantic time.

Heidi Fowler creates her mixed media collages using recycled materials. “My most recent work is inspired by derelict buildings found around the globe that have been abandoned either literally or figuratively. The textures I create reflect the deterioration of the facades. These deserted structures not only have an environmental impact on their communities, but an emotional one as well. They are simultaneously haunting and engaging.”

Deborah Weiss, Karen Hubacher and Lisa Lebofsy are concerned with the interrelationship of all living elements threatened by climate change and the devastation of pollution. “Striving to protect the physical world as a natural resource also offers the opportunity for it to be secured as a conduit for sensory stimulation and holistic wellbeing.” They draw their inspiration for their paintings from the awareness of our dependence on the oceans and tidal waters that surround us. Elizabeth MacDonald’s clay tile three-dimensional paintings are the embodiment of the Unsettled Earth with their cracked surfaces and world-weary energies. While recognizing the imminent challenges, Vicco von Voss is ever hopeful and his new sculptural piece is symbolic of the “upward movement as we begin to transcend old patterns and habits.”

To learn of the many events in Chestertown for Earth Stewardship Days visit:chestertownriverarts.org/events/earth-stewardship-days/

*Earth Stewardship Days: Rev Up The Planet is a month-long series of events designed to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of the Earth. Earth Stewardship Days is sponsored by Chestertown RiverArts, MassoniArt, the Art of Stewardship Project founded and led by Greg Mort, and the many organizations throughout the greater Chestertown area that are committed to the concept that we all have a role to play in promoting active stewardship of our planet.

MassoniArt will be participating with The Humane Society of Kent County’s activities with a special mini-exhibit on Saturday, April 2, 11 am-4 pm. The Gallery will be featuring “feathered and furry wildlife portraits” by artist Linda Richards. Richards and Greg Mort both participated in the NASA Space Art Program and her paintings reflect her awareness of the fragility of all life.

Gallery hours are Thursday & Friday, 11-4, Saturday, 10-5, and Sunday, 11-2. Private appointments can be scheduled at any time and of course, the gallery is open by chance – if the lights are on – the gallery is open!