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.

Shotola-Hardt continues his use of avian imagery to raise awareness about environmental stewardship and social justice. Known primarily as a painter, he includes other media in this show: textiles, upcycled trash, found object assemblage, lithography, photography, sculpture, carving, and gelli prints.