The mane attraction
‘Red Horses’ by Cynthia Jacobi
Everything from horse-inspired works and hand-carved ceramics to a touring exhibition celebrating Indigiqueer artists and Two Spirit identities will be on display when three new exhibitions open at the Newport Visual Arts Center this Friday, Sept. 4.
In the Upstairs Gallery, “Year of the Fire Horse” brings together five local artists whose work draws on the mystic strength and adventurous spirit of horses: Cynthia Jacobi, Marcy Kenyon, Marilyn Burkhardt, Marion Moir and Charlotte Van Zant-King.
Curated by Jacobi, the exhibition includes wooden sculpture, watercolor, collage, lino block print, acrylic, wax and ceramics. It also explores the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Fire Horse, a rare convergence of zodiac and lunar calendar that occurs only once every 60 years. The Fire Horse is associated with celebrated traits including strength and leadership as well as cautionary ones such as impulsiveness and recklessness.
“Year of the Fire Horse” will be on display through Nov. 1.
Also opening in the Coastal Oregon Visual Arts Showcase is “Healing Rhythms,” featuring highly textured, hand-carved, wheel-thrown functional ceramics by local artist Taunette Dixon.
Dixon, who comes from a four-generation fishing family, explores art’s capacity for profound emotional healing alongside her deep affinity for the ocean. The exhibition features a variety of functional vessel forms carved with intricate markings that give her glazes places to play and shine.
“Healing Rhythms” will be on display through Nov. 1.
The two exhibitions will share an opening reception this Friday from 5 to 7 pm, with music, light refreshments and artist talks.
Rounding out the trio in the Runyan Gallery is “Transgressors,” a special touring exhibition featuring work by a.c. ramírez de arellaño, Evan Benally Atwood, Geo Soctomah Neptune, Jeffrey Gibson, Lehuauakea, Qahir-beejee Peco, Roin Morigeau, Steph Littlebird and Walter Scott.
Curated by Indigenous artists and advocates Felix Furby (Grand Ronde, Chinook) and Anthony Hudson (Grand Ronde, Siletz), “Transgressors” presents now and future Indigiqueer ancestors who move beyond boundaries in life and art.
The exhibition explores the long history, cultural roles and evolving identities of Two Spirit people within their tribal worlds, alongside ongoing efforts of cultural revitalization.
“Transgressors” will be on display through October 18, with an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 pm, coinciding with Newport’s Pride weekend.
The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive and is open most Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 4 pm. The center will also be open from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday, Oct. 12, in observance and celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For more information, go to coastarts.org.