Exhibit features natural elements

If you look at the base elements of everything on earth, it comes down to organic compounds.

The new show at Red Wing Arts Association focuses on these natural elements as they are used to produce art. “It’s Organic” brings you art created from nature.

The exhibit features the work of Jim Proctor, a Minneapolis sculptor who uses natural materials to create a hybrid and complex “reality.” His work forces the viewer into a consideration of both natural wonder and imaginative innovation.

Proctor realized his focus for art while studying for his BA at St. Olaf College, Northfield. He investigates “how a work of art is like a plant and how a plant is like a work of art.”

Using a wide a range of plant material — thorns, nuts, seed-pods, weeds —Proctor alters and combines the elements into a new, surrealistic “species.”

He presents his species in simple shadowboxes that are reminiscent of 19th century natural history museums. For example, an acorn will be adorned with a crown of thorns that may be further elaborated with the furry lining of a seedpod. “I see the addition of thorns as an act of protection, protecting the natural world against the threats of a world increasingly dominated by humanity,” Proctor states.

Proctor was named one of City Pages’ 2010 Artists of the Year.

In addition to the work of Proctor, “It’s Organic” features Red Wing Arts Association member artists. Retired teacher and RWAA class instructor Jude Rooney brings “Natural Woman” to life at the Depot.

A near life-size sculpture, “Natural Woman” is composed of natural materials found in forests abundant in the state. Her quiet dignity speaks volumes about natural art, organizers said.

“It’s Organic” opens April 4 and runs through April 30.

A Saturday night reception with organic refreshments, of course, is open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 7 at the Depot Gallery & Gifts at 418 Levee St. in Red Wing.

The Red Wing Arts Association is committed to a focus on promoting the arts and support of the creative community in Red Wing and the surrounding area.

For further information call 651-388-7569 or visit info@rwarts.org

Tags: arts and entertainment, red wing, lifestyle, arts, entertainment, minnesota