Solo show by Michael Azzano also opens
This untitled work by local artist Mark Easton will be on display at Confluence Gallery during the “Weathering Change” exhibit.
By Ann McCreary
Climate change, and the physical and emotional impacts that it has on humans, is the focus of Confluence Gallery’s first show of 2019.
“Weathering Change” opens on Saturday (Jan. 12) in the Main Gallery. The exhibit is curated by Caryl Campbell, an artist and scientist who uses art to communicate about the critical issue of climate change.
Campbell said she asked participating artists to express in their art their feelings about the changes they are experiencing. “How do we adapt to our burned environment?” Campbell asked. “Of living with smoke for four months? Or how do we find hope and beauty in a destroyed environment? Is the world we see forming a dystopia? Or are there areas where beauty lives on?”
The exhibit explores human adaptations and emotions through the eyes of many artists. In the Methow Valley, we’ve experienced significant change over the last few years, Campbell said. “After another summer of heat, smoke, fire, drought and stress, we can’t pretend that we are not in a time of change.”
Also opening Saturday, in Confluence Gallery’s Community Gallery, is a solo show by Michael Azzano called “Fragile.”
Azzano said the concept for “Fragile,” his first Confluence show, comes from his fascination with humanity’s place in the world. Azzano brings together different art mediums to explore the juxtaposition of the man-made and natural worlds as they collide and are forced to interact.
“As a species, our presence has left few corners of the world untouched and the objects we have created will last, potentially, long after we are gone,” said Azzano. “While I typically look at this cynically, I also strive to find beauty in the things we have created.”
Azzano is an artist living and working in Omak. While primarily a printmaker, Azzano’s work encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture and a variety of additional mark making. His work has been showcased throughout Washington and nationally. Azzano holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Washington State University.
A reception for both exhibits will be held Saturday from 5-7 p.m. The shows continue through Feb. 23.
