MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Art Center is in full bloom with a new exhibition, featuring artwork inspired by the natural world.
“Anthesis: The Precise Moment of Bloom” is a diverse display of artworks representing a plant’s life cycle, starting at its roots, celebrating its bloom and ending in its decay. The show takes its title from the term anthesis, “the precise moment a flower bud opens into bloom, the fleeting stage when we most appreciate its beauty, fragrance and splendor,” according to the exhibition guide. The wide variety of artworks invites viewers to appreciate every stage of growth and the resilience required to reach anthesis.
Director of Marketing & Development Jennifer Beavis said the curatorial team wanted to create an exhibition that would positively impact the community’s emotional well-being.
“We wanted to remind people that no matter where you are in the cycle of your life, there is beauty in it,” said Beavis.
Walking into the gallery, visitors first encounter actual root systems. The whole lower portion of the gallery features dirt, roots, sprouts and interactive displays that allow visitors to smell petrichor, the earthy scent after it rains. Live plants actively grow from the displays as the show progresses.
Going up the stairs, the art begins to blossom and fill the gallery with color. The exhibition features artists working in a variety of media such as paintings, sculptures, photography, collages and encaustics, all exploring the beauty of flowers in bloom.
A different participating florist creates a large display of living flowers each week, inspired by a work in the exhibition.
Visitors can engage in activities upstairs, such as a scavenger hunt and a poetry prompt which are suitable for visitors of all ages.
After the vibrant pieces, the theme shifts again. The show ends in decay, just as a flower’s life does. Dried flowers hang from the ceiling above art that depicts wilting blooms.
Standing at the top of the gallery, visitors can see a full view of the exhibition’s progression, from roots to bloom to dormancy.
“We are all reaching through our own little patch of soil towards the light and every part of the journey, whether it be germination, bloom or decay, deserves gratitude and honor,” said the art center’s Exhibitions & Membership Coordinator Libzef Negro.
“Anthesis” runs through Aug. 9
“Anthesis” includes works by 13 artists, including Ardine Nelson, Margaret Freed, Lisa River Schenkelberg, Chloe McEldowney, Kristen Cliffel, Kelle Schwab, Laine Bachman, Eva Silina, Emily Morgan, Robert J. Putka, Autumn Cadle, Barbara Vogel and Aaron J. Potts.
Each individual artist contributes a unique perspective to the exhibition, allowing visitors to experience different interpretations of growth, transformation, resilience and the periods of rest that make blooming possible.
While the exhibition explores the natural world, organizers say its message extends beyond flowers and into the experiences of the people who visit it.
“Our “Anthesis” artists come together to complete a full and vibrant picture of what it means to be alive and growing in this world. If you are alive and growing, I suggest you come take a look,” said Negro.
The Art Center is open to the public and the family-friendly show has something for all ages. Members and visitors under 17 always receive free admission. General admission is $5 and supports the MAC’s mission.
“At The MAC our core mission is to ‘enrich the lives of all children, families and adults through the arts with gallery exhibitions, art education, artist workshops and related activities,’” Beavis said.
“As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to creating meaningful art experiences through our exhibitions, classes & workshops and the outreach that we do in our community to connect people with art and ensure that art is accessible to all.”
The Mansfield Art Center is located at 700 Marion Ave. Its open hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The art center is closed on Mondays.
“Anthesis” is on display with the support of Mechanics Bank, Taylor Metal Products, Ohio Arts Council, Park National Bank and Avita Health Systems, Arbor Creek Gardens, Tara’s Floral Expressions, The Rose Garden Florist & Gifts, Andrew Thomas Design and Alta Florist & Greenhouse.
For more information, visit mansfieldartcenter.org.
