There’s hardly a day that goes by that water isn’t in the headlines somewhere.
Lake Mead and the Danube River at record lows.
Severe flooding in the Texas Highlands and in central Indiana. In the summertime.
Drought somewhere, and undoubtedly more than place, interrupting the flood supply.
Lack of water to combat western wildfires.
In Henderson we look out over the vast Ohio River that is a watery transportation highway, a recreational delight and a source of our sustenance, and it’s a wondrous sight to behold.
This late summer and fall, the Ohio Valley Art League is celebrating this crucial element of life in an exhibit titled “The Life of a Drop” now open at Gallery 101 on, of all places, Water Street.
In this open, juried exhibit, 25 local and regional artists offer a unique perspective on the theme says Tracy Sturgill, executive director of the organization.
Rain is a natural and prominent motif in the exhibit. There are scenes by artists Kelley Inge (“Scarlet”), Lynn Buckman (“Puddle Jumper”) and Susie Tompkins Rideout (“Rainy Morning”) of people wielding umbrellas and braving the elements.
There are landscapes of flowing bodies of water, such as “Lewis Falls by Mark Ray,” “Monet’s Lily Pond” by Terry Rone and “Wabash River” by David Hamilton.
Works by Rex Robinson show the volatility of water (“Praise You in the Storm”) and its place as an environment for all sorts of creatures (“Lake Lesson.”)
There are works with sailboats, flowers, droplets on foliage, and people enjoying the water, such as “Sunset Splash” by Katie Lowing, “Affinity” by Emma Olson and the first-place work “The Happiest Song” by Emmett Olson.
“The diversity of styles, mediums and interpretations has created a thoughtful and visually engaging exhibition that showcases the creativity of our regional arts community,” Sturgill said.
She said the exhibit evolved from a fundraiser project to create an ink print from Henderson’s riverboat-themed manhole covers that could also be used on T-shirts and postcards.
“Because artists are often inspired by nature, we felt a water-themed exhibit would be a perfect fit,” she said. “ ‘The Life of a Drop’ invites artists to explore the beauty, movement, power, importance and symbolism of water in all its forms.
“The theme was intentionally broad,” Sturgill continued, “encouraging interpretations ranging from landscapes and wildlife to weather, environmental issues, abstract concepts and the human connection to water.”
Henderson Water Utility partnered with OVAL to present the exhibit, which was also supported by a grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Retired Henderson County art teacher Brian Ettensohn juried the exhibit.
“The Life of a Drop” will be on display at Gallery 101 in The Depot at 101 N. Water St. through Oct. 9. All artwork is available for purchase.
The “Greetings from Henderson” T-shirts are also available while supplies last.
“We hope the exhibition not only inspires visitors through art but also encourages them to support local artists and OVAL’s mission of making art accessible to every person,” Sturgill said.
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Award winners in “The Life of a Drop:”
First place ($300) — “The Happiest Song,” Emmett Olson
Second place ($200) — “Puddle Jumper,” Lynn Buckman
Third place ($100) — “After the Rain,” Joyce Ray
Merit awards ($50) — “Drops of Jupiter,” Leslie Chapman and “Garden Fountain,” David Hamiltonavid Hamilton
