Julia Lucey: Trying to Fit In . September 7-29, 2024
Lucey’s body of work is deceivingly playful. In her depictions of nature, the eye is drawn to the bright colors and intricate details of her craft, but the underlying messages in them reference the issues facing wildlife, its dissolution, and the attempt by many to redirect its path. Animals are struggling to find their place to exist within shrinking habitats, where the ecology is being cemented over by mankind. In her pieces, the animals wear a costume or camouflage as a means for survival, to hide from us, as our increasing encroachment increases our encounters with them. Lucey wants to brighten this dismal foretelling and suggest hope for a balance between the natural and the built worlds. She creates traditional aquatint etchings, then she cuts and collages the fine paper into elaborate compositions, completing the piece by painting on the collaged surface. The result is a visual tableau much like the European tapestries of the 17th Century but with a 21st Century message.
Established in 1980 and located in a 120 year old historic house, the Wally Workman Gallery specializes in emerging and collected talent. Known for encouraging their artists' professional and creative growth, the gallery has advanced local artists onto the national stage for decades. It is the combination of these long-standing relationships and the potential of new partnerships that make the gallery's program dynamic and accessible. The gallery has two stories of exhibition space where one can view the 50+ artists currently represented, including the contemporary talents of Sarah Ferguson, Joyce Howell and Will Klemm as well as the figurative work of Patrick Puckett and America Martin.
Parking is available in the lot behind the gallery, accessed from the alley off Blanco and Harthan Streets. There you will find two dedicated spots as well as other parking options. Unrestricted street parking is available on Blanco St. and parking is allowed after 7pm on Harthan St. Valet parking is available on Blanco St, in front of Elle's.