Exhibit Dates:  March 1, 2016 - March 31
Artist Reception:  March 17, 5-6 members - 6-7 p.m. open to the public.

About The Exhibit

Horizons | Lines

Clairissa and Colby Stephens

Horizon lines seperate the unknown from the known, the visible from the unseen, and the tangible from the intangible. A horizon line depicts the edge of terrestrial space, existing at the point of contact between earth and ether.

The two-dimensional line delineating this division is a complex illusion composed of deep three-dimensional space. Horizons are often considered to exist “out there.” They are believed to be so distant and ever unreachable that it is hard to comprehend the myriad ways they tangibly affect one’s life. However, they are not out there, they are here.

Much like a horizon line, life is lived at the point of contact between earth and sky. the work in this exhibition explores how illusions of horizons and lines shape our understanding of real spaces. Rooted in a study of the Oregon and Nevada deserts, and often referencing cartography, this body of work used materials native to these deserts to underscore the connections between distant horizons and the immediacy of the natural landscape nearby.

The artists will be in Reno for an in depth discussion with dinner on March 31 in collaboration with Wild River Grille. Tickets are $65. Space is limited. To RSVP contact eric@sierra-arts.org or click here.

Appetizers

· Nevada Corn Cake with Dipping Sauce ( Nevada Cook Book of 1887)

· Berry and Pine Nut Savory Bruschetta (Chef’s Rendition)

First Course

· Cream of Root Vegetable Soup (Chef’s Creation)

· Green Salad with Basque Dressing

Main Course

· Lamb Marye – (From the family collection of George T. Marye, Bonanza Day       Financier, 1849-1933)

· Virginia City Pioneer Ham – (Pioneer Drugstore, Virginia City, 1904-1922)

Sides

· Crispy Scalloped Potatoes

· Flash Saute of Kale with Lemon Walnut Vinagarette

· Batter Biscuits ( Eilley Orrum Bowers, Gold Hill, 1826 – 1903)

Dessert

· Chef’s platter of assorted sundries

· Coffee/Tea Service

Wine and Beer included with Dinner – Cash Bar

 

About The Artist

Clairissa Stephens is a visual artist working primarily in painting, drawing and sculpture. She earned her MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Art from the University of Nevada, Reno and holds a BA in Painting and Drawing from Portland State University. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally. Stephens lives and works in Portland, OR.

Colby Stephens is an artist, researcher, writer, and political activist based in Portland, OR. His art media are selected as a means to embodying the conceptual content of his work, which often addresses politics, economics, and social justice.

Stephens’ work seeks to both synthesize his research and unpack it for the viewer. The use of historical and literary references, appropriation, myth, and allegory add conceptual depth to his work. While Stephens’ goal is to inform his viewers, he does not intend to tell people what to think. Instead, he hopes to encourage viewers to have thoughtful intellectual engagement with the issues he presents. Despite the strong nature of his social and political critiques, Stephens intends to avoid the pitfalls of the divisive rhetoric so prevalent in today’s political discourse. He further seeks to encourage and foster civic participation among his viewers.

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