Being Fluid – a new exhibit from Michael Guerriero

Immerse yourself in an aqueous new exhibit at the VAC

Being Fluid – a new exhibit from Michael Guerriero, presented by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts – will be on display in the Runyan Gallery at Newport Visual Arts Center from August 4 – September 30, 2023.

Drawing inspiration not only from his affinity for water, but also from studying the work of Paul Klee and Alexander Calder, artist Michael Guerriero's new show features sculptures, paintings, drawings, and serigraphs that explore themes of swimming, interacting with nature, and finding balance.

Guerriero has studied and created art for most of his life – producing a series of serigraphs, paintings, murals, and sculptures over the course of 35 years spent in Northern California. He and his wife moved to Yachats in 2013. Since then, he has expanded his studio to include sculptured works in steel, bending wire and rod into animal and figurative shapes, and depicting ephemeral swimmers that represent human interactions in our natural world.

A lifelong swimmer himself, Guerriero is fascinated by water. "The way it moves and envelopes," he explains, "the striking temperature change, coming up to the surface for breath."

"Beyond depicting the ocean and water that dominates our surroundings here on the coast, Being Fluid takes us deeper," said Chasse Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center. "This body of work goes beyond an impression of water and its life forms. It explores the relationships and connections that become evident when immersed."

An opening reception will take place on Friday, August 4th from 5pm-8pm. Wine and light refreshments will be served, live music will be provided by Ian Smith, and Guerriero himself will give an introduction and artist talk beginning at 5:30pm in the Runyan Gallery. To learn more, visit www.coastarts.org/events/fluid

Exhibits at Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC) are free to the public and can be viewed most Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 12pm – 4pm, at 777 NW Beach Drive in Newport. However, please note that the VAC will be closed on August 2nd and 3rd – to prepare for the exhibit – and will reopen to the public on Friday, August 4th when the opening reception begins at 5:00pm.