Art Exhibit: Botanical Alchemy at the VAC

Spectacular botanical prints featured in new  exhibit at Newport Visual Arts Center

Jennifer Smith will open her exhibit – Botanical Alchemy – on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC). An opening reception will take place from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, and in addition to light refreshments, attendees will be treated to an Artist’s Talk with Smith herself at 1:30 pm.

Inspired by daily hikes in the Pacific Northwest, Smith was drawn to botanical printmaking to reflect the beauty of the trees surrounding her. Her process begins with the gathering of leaves and a search for wool and silk that she can up-cycle. “My desire is to share the rich beauty I see in nature,” said Smith, “in appreciation of the varied patterns, colors, and textures in the trees and leaves.”

Smith’s unique process treats the viewer to a thrilling and intimate experience with the florae of our coastal home, featuring colors that are as soothing as they are exciting. “Beyond beautifully executed technical innovations and experimentations, Jennifer has an eye for exquisite compositions,” said Chasse Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center, “Through her botanical prints, each leaf is brought to the forefront with rich, bold color combinations.”

“In my studio, I intentionally place the leaves on the wool, cover this with hand-dyed silk for transfer of the background color, tightly roll the fabric around a copper rod for direct contact, then submerge the bundle in hot water to cook for several hours,” said Smith, “This helps to extract the pigments contained in the leaves – to transfer the leaf print and coloration onto the fabric. When unwrapping the bundle, I feel excitement as I discover the unpredictable and unique results.”

Botanical Alchemy will be on display at the VAC, in the Upstairs Gallery, from Sunday, December 3rd through Friday, January 12th. The VAC is open most Wednesdays-Fridays from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at 777 NW Beach Drive in Nye Beach. Admission is free. To learn more, visit www.coastarts.org/events/alchemy

Please email questions or interview requests to:

Darcy Lawrence

Marketing & Communication Coordinator Oregon Coast Council for the Arts

Darcy@CoastArts.org

The Newport Visual Arts Center was built by the City of Newport as a space for public art exhibition and art education programs. It is maintained by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts.

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization developing, promoting, and celebrating community arts on the Oregon Coast. Learn more at www.coastarts.org.