The Delaney Southwest Research Library will open a new exhibition of work titled "Southwest Landscapes: Views through the Veil," featuring the work of Hesperus artist Holly Hagan. The exhibit will open to the public with a free reception on June 10, from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Hagan graduated magna cum laude from the University of Oregon with a degree in Fine Art. She has lived in the Durango area since 1997. Hagan is inspired by the natural landscape, and - when not painting - can be found exploring the mountains and canyon country surrounding her home. Hagan's work is directly inspired by the time she spends exploring the Southwest, and she incorporates archetypal themes into her paintings depicting the natural landscape. In describing her work, the artist states:
"My art is about the mystery of life experienced through elements of nature. It's about the times when the veil between here and there feels a little thinner. Using glazes and working from memory of personal experiences, I combine the natural world with the mystical elements of the unconscious. We've all had the experience of the epiphany- the 'ahaa' moment too big for words. My hope is to capture something in my painting that can't adequately be expressed by language. I want the viewer to be drawn to the work because it makes them feel something."
This exhibit will run through May 2016. This is the second annual Delaney Library exhibit of a regional artist whose work supports the mission of the Center of Southwest Studies. The artist reception will take place immediately following the lecture by David A. Wenger, Aren't You Dyeing to Know: Testing of Dyes in Early Navajo Weavings, which will take place in the lyceum from 1:30-2:30pm.
The Center of Southwest Studies, now in its fifty-first year, provides an active program of free public lectures and events year-round at its museum, research library, and archives facility on the campus of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. For more information, please contact the Center's business office at 970-247-7456 or visit swcenter.fortlewis.edu.