The theme for this exhibition, energy, can be very broadly construed. The call for the exhibition included words ranging from vitality and strength to animation and effervescence.  Thankfully, the artists who submitted work chose to interpret the theme widely.  Energy implies movement, and the artists in this exhibition used a range of media to convey the feeling that the space is in motion. Whether springing from the walls or rising up out of the floor, this is an exhibition that whirls with its theme. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is considerable color in this show— greens and blues are cool, almost quiet, while oranges, yellows, and reds blaze.

But vibrancy is not limited to color, or forcefulness of brush stroke. The works in this exhibition run the full gamut of movement with vibrant figuration, bold graphics, and spinning biomorphic forms. Additionally, for as much as there is wild abstraction on display, we also get the aftermath, the energy expended. There are pieces with fissures, cracks, and remnants. These are the repercussions of a great force. These works express a full range of human emotions, from contemplative stillness and silence, to urgency and excitement, to letdown and desolation.

We live in a chaotic world. It is hard to process all that is discomforting and disturbing, and one might not be surprised to feel a near constant buzz of anxiety as we go about our daily activities. The pace of our lives may make us feel as if we are constantly in motion. The art that we see reflects the world that we live in, and it is fitting that each artist in this exhibition seeks to harness that nervous energy in different ways.

This exhibition gives us painting, sculpture, drawing, prints, photography, and textiles. It gives the concept of “energy” material form. — JESSICA ROSCIO

Participating Artists: Kristen Adamczyk, Joan Appel, Jess Barnett, Anne Beinecke, Tracey Brockett, Ron Brunelle, Martha Chason-Sokol, Andrew Child, Brittney Ciccone, Brenda Cironi, Michelle Clark, Paula DeSimone, Violet Davenport, Samantha Dziubek, Ellen Fisher, Vasilisa Gladysheva, Diana Gubbay, Kay Hartung, Lisa Hayden, Kirstin Ilse, Patricia Jenks, Corey Jonze, Cheryl Kessler, Georgina Lewis, Natalie MacKnight, Lindsy Marshall, Pat Mattina, Amy McGregor-Radin, Donna Melanson, Shelby Meyerhoff, Francis Moccaldi, Mary Morazzi-Henderson, Paul Murray, Charles Norris, Lisa Palladino, Alicia Quimby, John Rich, Dan Rocha, Martin Schumacher, Paul Sears, Kimberly Stoney, Hannah Switzer, Kyle Wengler, Neil Wilkins

Opening Reception: January 18th, 5:00 PM—7:00 PM