PRESS RELEASE (SOLVANG, CA) – The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce a new yearlong, site-specific installation featuring Santa Barbara-based artist Kerrie Smith. Portals & Pathways, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view April 2022 through early 2023. Opening Reception May 22nd 4-6pm. 1511-B Mission Drive Solvang, CA. RSVP Lauren@Wildlingmuseum.org
Smith’s multi-sensory installation features flowing banners printed with Smith’s vivid abstract paintings inspired by daily walks along Santa Barbara’s More Mesa. Interspersed are sheer banners featuring personal poetry hand-stamped with wooden blocks carved by Smith. Circular “portals” hang from floor to ceiling with Smith’s photography of local flora and fauna, as well her paintings and impressions on the trails that surround More Mesa. Ambient sounds of crashing waves, animal life, and encounters recorded by Smith also invite visitors to take in the experience of walking along the trails as nature and human life collide and overlap.
Smith will continue to update the gallery with the changing seasons, transforming the space throughout 2022-2023 as part of the Wildling Museum’s inaugural artist-in-residence program for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery.
