Arts + Literature Laboratory will hold an opening reception for current exhibitions on Friday, May 3 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Each of the following exhibitions will be on display at Arts + Literature Laboratory from Tuesday, April 30 through Saturday, June 22.
Heal, Create, and Share is a group exhibition curated by Roberto Torres Mata focused on addressing mental health challenges within diverse and all communities in Dane County. The core concept centers around providing a therapeutic and communal space where individuals can engage in artistic expression, share their experiences, and collectively contribute to a communal quilt. Through the act of creating art, participants are encouraged to embark on a journey of healing and build a supportive community. Participating artists include Rodrigo Carapia, Lilada Gee, Dakota Mace, Lesley Numbers, Ash Armenta, Rachael Griffin, J Myszka Lewis, Cat Birk, Jana Cariddi, Issis Macias, Heather Kohlmeier, and Cullen Houser.
Art of Insects and Interconnection is a group exhibition organized by Heather Swan. The artwork of four renowned artists, Jenny Angus, Lea Bradovich, John Hitchcock, and Tilly Woodward, challenges us to move past our preconceptions and to recognize the beauty of these complex and important creatures which are facing rapid decline. Several pieces in the show are included in the book Where the Grass Still Sings: Stories of Insects and Interconnection by poet Heather Swan which narrates strategies for humans to coexist with these miraculous beings.
Spontaneous Arising is an exhibition by Becky Hiller. "This work is more about process than product," Hiller explains, "I experience creating a spiritual and healing act, bringing me into deep connection with intuition and inspiration. In Taoism there is a name for this, Tzu-Jan: a personal and inner allowing of "spontaneous arising" or "what happens of itself." This spontaneous process feels connected and collaborative with the natural world. These pieces are also a collaboration with all the other makers of the beads, yarn, felt, and other materials used in these pieces. Wihtout them my art would not be possible, they have my great appreciation! The final step in this process is your participation, standing in front of the pieces. So I invite you to experience the pieces visually, and also with your imagination-intuition, noticing which details draw you in, and what associations arise."