What does art have to do with environmental conservation? How does an artist’s focus on the natural world – forests, fields, rivers, mountains, flora and fauna – help raise awareness of and appreciation for nature? Can nature-focused art be a catalyst for social change?
Those questions and more will be the focus of a panel discussion between three painters and sculptors whose work focuses on nature, and a representative from a local nature conservation organization, on Dec. 8 at 2:30 pm at Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade St., Tryon. The event is free and open to the public.
“Inspired by Nature: A Discussion on Art and Environmental Activism” will bring together Saluda artist Dale McEntire, whose paintings and sculptures are currently on display in the gallery, Asheville artist William Henry Price, and Rutherford County sculptor Michael Sherrill. Katie Breckheimer, with MountainTrue, will join the panel to share how their art can engage viewers with environmental issues.
McEntire’s oil and pastel paintings focus on the natural world which he describes as “full of vibration, color, motion, texture, space and form.” He adds that he consciously makes an effort “to experience nature’s beauty and wonder and represent this energy with symbolism and color.” Upstairs Artspace is exhibiting over 60 of his paintings and sculptures through Dec. 20. The scenes depicted in much of the work on display are of the Polk County and Landrum area, including Fish Top (of the Green River), Saluda pastures, and Saluda’s Missing 40 trail. Visit DaleMcEntire.com to learn more about his work.
William Henry Price says his abstract nature scenes are “a lifelong exploration of nature and sacred traditions.” Working in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, egg tempera and ink pen, Price’s pieces are exuberant abstracts that often include botanical, insect, or bird details. With gorgeous “maximalist” style and color, his naturescapes reflect sights and vibrations from his walks in nature, Tibetan and Muslim influences, and sacred geometry. Visit WilliamHenryPrice.com to see his work.
Sculptor Michael Sherrill produces delicate, intricate, incredibly detailed botanical pieces of porcelain, glass and bronze which are crafted using tools he specially creates, from his studio complex in Bat Cave, NC. Sherrill’s work is in several public collections including the Smithsonian’s Renwick Museum of American Craft, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Mint Museum, the Museum of Art and Design, Corning Museum of Glass, and Takoma Glass Museum. He formerly taught at Penland School of Craft. Visit MichaelSherrill.com to learn more.
Saluda resident Katie Breckheimer is a longtime environmental activist in Western North Carolina. She will share about her work in stewardship of the natural environment with nonprofit organizations such as MountainTrue, which she chaired for two years, and Conserving Carolina, of which she was a founding member. She has a degree in environmental science from UNC Asheville. She currently chairs the Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway, and takes monthly water quality samples for MountainTrue's V-WIN program.
For more information about the event or the gallery, please visit UpstairsArtspace.org, call 828-859-2828, or email frontdesk@upstairsartspace.org.
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