hidell brooks is getting ready for our solo exhibitions for ruth ava lyons and johan hagaman opening on friday march 7th from 6-8pm. both of the artist's work is very strong and organic complimenting each other perfectly. first we will delve into the new paintings by ruth ava lyons. the recent oil and gold leaf paintings are in response to ruth's residency at the heron island research station on the great barrier reef this past fall as well as other sacred places visited in the past few years like cumberland island. ruth spent her month long stay scuba diving and photographing the world's largest coral reef system.

i am drawn to and inspired by a variety of environments that speak to me. these include places like the amazing great barrier reef/australia, the florida everglades, congaree, cumberland island, national parks,wetlands, forests,and more. i attempt to use a vocabulary combining both organic and graphic forms to symbolize my thoughts on the status and ongoing threats to these places of wonder. for me, a dominant challenge is to transform thoughts into transcendental metaphors that illuminate the tensions and connections between our internal and external landscape. my paintings are evidence of my personal search to comprehend universal themes of growth, resistance, adaptation,and perseverance that i see in nature, and in my own life.

ruth ava lyons was born in cleveland, ohio and holds degrees from kent state university and cranbrook academy of art. she is a fulbright fellowship recipient and has taught at several colleges and universities. ruth has received several grants, awards, and residencies and her work can be found in numerous private, corporate, institutional, and museum collections including the metropolitan museum of art, hearst corporation, bank of america, new orleans museum of art, and the national museum for women In the arts.

please call the gallery if you have any questions concerning the upcoming show for ruth ava lyons. she will be in attendance for the open on friday march 7th.