This exhibition, “Cosmic Trees”, is a continuation of theme that Kane has been exploring for many years. The theme itself is inspired from a memorable dream he had back in the late1980's where the universe appeared as ever-changing tree like form.  His works are not an attempt to depict this dream, but to create forms and visual compositions inspired from it. In this exhibition, mix media sculptural works and wall pieces mainly in wood and fabric will be shown.

In Memoriam presents the creative breadth and

ingenuity of Stephan Soihl (1942 - 2026) through an

exhibition of the Blackfish Gallery founding member’s

most critically significant work. Giving viewers a

glimpse into Soihl’s immense artistic life, the

exhibition presents a curated selection of his

watercolor monoprints, kinetic sculptures, and cast

resin pieces.

As In Memoriam retrospectively explores the

evolution of Soihl’s dynamic range, it evidences the

simultaneous regard and pushing of boundaries that

characterized his work. While the influence of the

Washington Color School is immediately apparent in

Soihl’s cast resin pieces, the calm independence of

his watercolors and the synesthetic machinations of

his kinetic sculptures are easily mistaken as

conceptual divergences from this earlier work.

My new paintings explore ideas of play, both what children do and what theaters show. The dolls, children, and animals are engaged in mysterious happenings. They are visual narratives. I do not know each story personally. The stories evolve and are fluid. But there is a before moment and an after moment other than the scene painted, so viewers may imagine the events as they please.

The dolls, bears, and others are often in some strange space on a quest. The animals are saviors and muses. At one extreme, they’re ferocious; at the other, kindly, solid, and determined. The beasts are an essential part of the characters and embody protective goodness. Equally vital is each character’s costume; what is next to the skin is as essential as fur to an animal. Sometimes a darkness is suggested, but hovering near hope and maybe joy. A visual tension between the two generates timely energy.

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While many works in Stanzas draw on Shotola-Hardt’s considerable skill in realist painting to portray his avian subjects, themes of environmental stewardship are expounded on through the use of textiles, upcycled trash, and found objects. Shotola-Hardt likewise turns to lithography, photography, sculpture, carving, and gelli prints as Stanzas embraces the overlapping potential of its multifaceted themes. 

A graduate of Lewis and Clark College, Shotola-Hardt earned his MFA in painting from Portland State University and spent 32 years as an art educator. Shotola-Hardt has exhibited widely throughout the Pacific Northwest and New York and is included in local, national, and international private collections, and regional public collections.

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