Open November 2 – December 3.
Art Gym Gallery is excited to present, “Harmony in Hues”, an exhibition of new work from Members Catie Michel, Lauren Ruark and Zara DeGroot. Please join us and the artists for an opening reception on Thursday November 2 from 6-9PM. Thank you to Ratio Beerworks for providing beer for this event!
Three Art Gym members, driven by their mutual fascination with the intersection of nature and daily existence, worked in unity for the upcoming exhibition “Harmony in Hues.” Together, they skillfully blended their visions with collaborative efforts to intertwine a vibrant view of the world. See the powerful connection between artists and their theme of nature that tells the story of our natural surroundings.
Catie Michel is a visual artist, photographer, and printmaker interested in exploring the natural world and feelings of connection to it. “My background in field research and science communication grounds my artistic work with an observational approach. The devoted naturalist in me is happiest and most creative when I chance upon nature’s most remarkable forms, patterns, and behaviors. My process begins the moment I catch that rare glimpse into a vernal pool or hear the competing calls of owls at night, and follows with various visual storytelling practices. This allows me to document my experiences while also serving as a vehicle to keep asking questions and to continually learn. It is especially exciting when I get to collaborate with others and witness their own glimpses into the natural world. I find great community in shared curiosity. I want to explore what, in nature, is capturing the attention of myself and others and what, in us, is looking back.”
Lauren Ruark is an artist who draws inspiration from the outdoors. “My work is a celebration of the natural world and the way we are connected to it. My abstract and landscape paintings capture the breathtaking beauty that surround us, reminding us of the majesty and power of nature. I am drawn to the ever-changing moods of the outdoors, from soft, gentle light to dramatic, stormy skies. I love to capture these moments in my art, using bold strokes of raw, earth-toned colors and texture to convey the energy and emotion I see around me. I believe that art has the power to connect us to each other as humans and transport us to another time and place. In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, I see my work as a reminder of the beauty and power that surrounds us every day. Through my paintings, I hope to inspire others to seek out the wonder in every day, and to cherish the earth we call home.”
Zara DeGroot “is a Colorado-native who loves to have fun on the canvas, whether that be with bright colors, modeling paste or clay. I picked painting back up during COVID, and it’s since become my happy place. As I’ve continued to refine my style, my artistic practice has begun to revolve around the interplay of texture and color, where one complements and enhances the other. For me, these elements are not separate entities but rather interconnected forces that bring life and depth to my work. When color takes a back seat, texture takes the stage. I believe that texture and color equally have the ability to add another layer of meaning to a piece, transforming a two-dimensional surface into a tactile, vibrant experience that seeps joy into a space. Thank you for joining me on this journey!”
