PRINCETON, N.J. — D&R Greenway Land Trust’s exhibition “Space to Dream: Nature and Creative Freedom” showcases the relationship between open spaces and artistic expression with three themed galleries: On the Water, Within the City, and In the Wild.
The artwork is on view March 21 through May 27, 2022 at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am-2:00 pm and on the following Saturdays: March 26, April 9 and May 7, 12 noon – 4:00 pm.
Meet the artists and welcome spring while enjoying beautiful Greenway Meadows at an outdoor reception on Friday, April 29, from 4:30-6:00 pm; RSVP requested at drgreenway.org or info@drgreenway.org.
“Space to Dream” extends an invitation to explore the many open spaces in nature that foster human creativity and artistic expression. From still waters to the lively city park to the vibrant wilderness, preserving land allows future generations to draw inspiration from wild and precious natural environs.
Colorful maple leaves float with ‘Koi Fish’ by artist Ting Ting Hsu as one enters the galleries. ‘Crested Penguin’ by artist Moss Freedman provides whimsy as it evokes glacial waters and brings to mind climate change. A nearby quote by Sir David Attenborough reminds the viewer to “Cherish the natural world, because you are a part of it and you depend on it.”
Erica Harney’s ‘Tondo’ paintings enchant with brilliant colors and images, from blooming daffodils to saguaro cacti. Melanie Lopez’ purple mountains blend into a peach sky in ‘Q ij’that depicts a sunset in Guatemala. Susan DeConcini’s ‘shades of dawn’ invites meditation with purple hues over the water, while Léni Paquet-Morante’s ‘Pebbled Shallow” contrasts with strong greens, oranges and browns. “Did you know” facts throughout the exhibit remind that, among other important facets of the natural world, “Water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet.”
Artist Sean Carney’s unique style of painting that uses Minwax woodstain and Dremel on wood is seen alongside large canvases by Tricia Zimic with bears and coyotes bringing nature into cityscapes. Kate Graves, known for her sculpture, exhibits paintings of landscapes reminiscent of Georgia O’Keefe’s New Mexico alongside her expression of the ‘Delaware Water Gap’. Charles David Viera invites the viewer to dive with a girl off a pier in ‘Reflection in the Bayside’. His imaginative study of dogwalkers is a delight to see.
“D&R Greenway invites the public into this magical new exhibit as we celebrate spring and the ability to share our galleries once again,” says the nonprofit’s president and CEO Linda Mead. “I am especially pleased to announce that this exhibit was envisioned and implemented by first-time curator Ayame Whitfield, our yearlong Fellow and a graduate of Princeton University.” Whitfield worked with long-time D&R Greenway curator Diana Moore, who said of the exhibit, “It’s beautifully balanced with interesting art that engages the viewer to see and feel the importance of the world around us.”
Exhibiting artists include Sean Carney, Susan DeConcini, Moss Freedman, Kate Graves, Erica Harney, Ting Ting Hsu, Léni Paquet-Morante, Charles David Viera, Tricia Zimic. This exhibit will also feature art from students in the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund’s FUTURO program, which is an inclusive and diverse youth mentoring program for promising first and second-generation immigrant students.
D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has preserved over 22,000 acres of land and 44 miles of trails throughout central New Jersey since 1989. This land includes a diverse range of forests, meadows, rivers, and parkland, providing countless ways for people from all walks of life to connect with the land. Art sales benefit the mission of D&R Greenway to preserve and care for land and trails that provide the public access to the natural world. Information on the exhibit and other events may be found at www.drgreenway.org.
Background
By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, D&R Greenway gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway nurtures a healthier and more diverse environment for people and wild species, working to combat climate change, protect birds and wildlife, and ensure clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic, now and forever. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.