Housatonic — The Center for Peace through Culture (CPC) is displaying the work of 14 artists through its “Unique in Nature” exhibit, which will be on display at the center until Saturday, July 13. The exhibition, which was the CPC’s first-ever open call for art, includes regional and local artists who have created a selection of diverse photography, weaving, paintings, and sculptures.
The center is located at 137 Front Street, the former studio of artist, writer, and teacher Deb Kaufman, who died in 2021. According to the center’s website, the goal of CPC is to present art and cultural experiences “that open pathways to more peaceful lives and connected communities.” The center offers art classes, Spanish classes, open-mic events, and other various classes and events. “We’re finding ways to connect with our communities,” Center Executive Director Melanie McCarthy told The Berkshire Edge. “Having an open call for an art exhibit is a way to bring in new audiences, but also to support developing artists. That’s one of the most important services that I think we can provide in the art realm, in terms of how we can support artists that are still finding their way, and trying to grow and network.”
McCarthy said that “Unique in Nature” is the first time many of the local artists have had their art displayed in an exhibit.
Colombian immigrant and now Berkshire County resident David Melchor has his macro photography showcased in the exhibit. “With my photographs, I have always tried to capture all the experiences that I have had with nature and people,” Melchor told The Berkshire Edge through a translator. “I love to portray candid moments, and, with my photos, people can experience what someone else is feeling when people are in those photos. When it comes to my photos of nature, oftentimes we don’t take the time to admire what is going on. These moments for me, all need time and space for them to be recognized, and they all have a specific beauty to them.”
Ruby Aver has her painting “Housatonic: The Village” on display in the exhibit. “The big umbrella of my work is called ‘street zen,’” Aver explained. “I grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1960s; I saw a lot of street life. I’m also a Tai Chi teacher, so I have a lot of influence from street art, and a sort of Zen-like approach.”
Dawn Horbal’s “Inspiration 4” and “Truth 4” are nature-related paintings that she said “are a call to be fully present.” “When I’m creating, I’m in the process of honoring the elements, honoring the earth mother, and all of the ancestors and others who are looking out for us here on the earth realm,” Horbal said. “This is a process where there is a lot of movement to it, and it’s an immense process of allowing the emotion to end up on the canvas through the paint. When I create paintings, the oil colors are extremely deep. They’re very intense and nature is just a thing of beauty at all points in time.”
Alma Baumwoll created her basket-like art out of recycled materials, including bittersweet vines with roots, workplace plastic waste cordage, iris yard waste cordage, and repurposed toddler clothing. “I love to weave and knit, and I live in a house that has invasive plants all around it,” Baumwoll said. “I like to pull the plants and make things out of them. I love the idea of turning one-dimensional stringy things into three-dimensional objects. I like the fact that they could be functional, and I love reusing materials so you don’t have to get anything new to make art happen.”
McCarthy said that the center will continue to create and operate programs to reach out and serve the community. “We are still finding ways to serve the community well,” she said. “It is a priority to us to carry on the spirit of Deb Kaufman. It’s really special for us to share the space and what we’re doing with people. To encourage them to create is the most gratifying part of all of this.”
For more information about the Center for Peace through Culture and its programs, visit its website.
