As the flowers finally bloomed for the warmer weather and birds began to chirp, The Thought Lot welcomed the season with its opening reception of “The Colors of Spring” art exhibit.
The normally blank canvased walls of The Thought Lot building were covered in bright artwork from local artists, this past Saturday evening.
“We find that gets a bigger draw,” The Thought Lot coordinator Hannah Nawa said about the art exhibit. “It’s a platform for people that haven’t exhibited before.”
One example of an artist who was new to the spotlight was Shippensburg University alumna Shelia Benson, who showcased her watercolor paintings. Her theme for this exhibit was guardianship, and each of Benson’s paintings was a character that guards others, like Medusa.
“I’ve always kind of been interested in different cultures and mythology,” Benson said.
Chelsea Blaine also showcased her artwork in the exhibit. A majority of her work was shot in New Orleans, since it is one of her favorite locations. Blaine explained that she likes travel photography since it is easier to find inspiration.
Blaine first began photography when she was 6, after receiving a Polaroid camera, and has been taking pictures ever since.
Amidst the paintings and photographs hung on the walls were James Daniel Lane’s tapestry weavings. Lane was first introduced to tapestry by his great-grandmother.
After Lane’s great-grandmother passed away five years ago, he found an old box filled with her tapestry materials.
Lane also found a book that taught him the art of tapestry. For this exhibit, he took a free form and organic approach by using raw wool and other materials.
Other artists included Mary Seay, Beck Metzbower, Noelle Zeigler, Kristen Young, Aron Rook, Noah Bennett and Hannah Famulare.
“The Colors of Spring” was Nawa’s third exhibit that she coordinated. She explained that the idea for the theme of the art exhibit practically fell together by itself since it is springtime.
Throughout the evening, visitors socialized with the artists and admired the diversity of the display. Children were able to get their faces painted at a table while the adults grazed on light refreshments.
The exhibit is open to the public for all ages and runs until June 5.
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