Join us for the exhibition opening of "Why Hello, Animal Neighbors" by local artist Kelly Lewis on Friday, February 6 from 6-8 pm featuring live music from Wabi Sabi!

Artist statement:
I wake up to deer in my yard, fresh holes dug by skunks searching for grubs in the ground, magpies teaching their fledglings to hunt, and an occasional wisp of a fox turning a corner as humans wake up. Bears try to outwit the ratchet straps on my trash can, turkeys carefully perch on delicate tree branches for fermented crab apples, and mountain lions leave unnerving foot prints along the road as evidence they have been hunting. With the San Juan National Forest only a few miles away, I live with wild animal neighbors who do not respect my yard’s boundaries or my flower beds, but they are welcome anyway. Research of indigenous wisdom, psychology of positive imagery, and forest stewardship come together to form a body of work that connects us to what we have lost, a true symbiosis. I create artwork that establishes a connection to engage in the richness of nature and offer a humble thank you of gratitude to the wellspring of joy I find in these places. My work explores joyous relationship between humans and nature. I extend a hand to join in celebrating and advocating for the wild animals and wild spaces they inhabit.