Since Brews changed hands and the community Prince, John Rankine, left I’ve not been drawn to Brews Cafe and Coffee Bar. However, one recent afternoon, I happened in to the current show there and found much to look at and enjoy. The theme is about pollination, and artists have long been fascinated with the sex life of plants because… well because flowers, butterflies and bees are beautiful.
However, we’re in luck! By “we” I mean the audience in this unique village that is full of artists.
The variety of techniques and media in this beautiful exhibition is impressive. Familiar artists in the community contribute strong pieces, expanding our perceptions of a rather well-used theme.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Larry Mansker interprets Eve at the awakening by humans to art, the awareness of nature’s beauty, a civilizing development of the human brain.
A linoleum block print by Amber Leibee is a lovely black-and-white treat.
“Pollinator’s Dream Garden,” by Charlene Brisson is a well-fertilized explosion of well-rendered blossoms.
A painting with jewelry, acrylics and silk flowers by Becky Stracener, called “Pollination Station #14,” is wonderfully complex in technique and image.
“A Bug’s Life,” by Valerie Hubbard Damon, demonstrates her usual imaginatively playful imagery.
“Death Moth,” is an exquisite pair of pieces done with needle felted wool by Vicki Hardcastle.
“Being in Repose,” an acrylic painting by Mary Springer is a mysteriously wilted plant in deep woods.
“Man with Bird,” is a silkscreen beauty by Janet Goodyear that has a humorous lilt.
Four small canvases, “A Murmuration of Bees,” done with India Ink and Stickles Glitter glue, by Rebecca J. Becker, is charming.
Pen and ink and watercolors are put to good use by Jerri Stevens with immaculate line work.
Many other pieces are first rate in technique and image. Metal fabrications and other craft techniques are used well.
All these techniques are impressively employed to make truly fine art. This wave of local artists is rising to meet all the classical demands of museum-quality art: clever or profound conceptually; creatively brilliant in chosen medium; and physically impressive technically. Way to go, Eureka Artists!
The traditional role of artists in a society is that of zeitgeist. They are predictors, foreseers, visualizers of where we are headed sociologically.
Our community fulfills that role abundantly, in this exhibition. That’s why we are comfortable here, a community of artists. Home. Good show, Brews.
Dan Morris