Art Around Athens

As Pierre Daura curator Lynn Boland mentioned in a comment earlier this week, there is an opening reception for a really interesting exhibition at ATHICA this Saturday, March 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. Lizzie Zucker Saltz served as the curator for "Deluge," and Ben Emanuel, formerly of Flagpole, served as guest essayist. Lynn's wife, Katherine McQueen, produced the fabulous cross-stitch seen above. Here's what ATHICA has to say about the exhibition:

Following the record-breaking floods of this past fall and winter-which followed an historic, severe drought-Deluge is timely in North Georgia. Yet the exhibit also explores fundamental and timeless questions of how people inhabit the natural landscape, both literally and emotionally through our relationships with floods, their aftermath and the weather leading to them. Deluge is a study in how humanity reacts to the impacts of environmental forces beyond our control. This collection of paintings, photography, conceptual embroideries and a large sculptural installation consequently addresses global warming and land use issues.

The works in our 35th exhibit will be enhanced by a 3’ high water line painted directly on the gallery walls, conceived of by the curator to simulate the feeling of wading in the gallery. Executed by Atlanta artist Katherine Taylor with the assistance of her former student, Jeff Lawerence Brown, the two will work will collaboratively on the imagery that will abut a large-scale, site-specific painting Taylor is creating on our 19' right hand wall.

Tonight's reception includes food provided by Mama's Boy and is free. Other associated events to mark your calendars for include:

• Sunday, April 25, 4-5:30 p.m.: "Cries and Whispers: 9/11, Climate Change and Georgia," a lecture by Dr. James Porter, professor of ecology at UGA, accompanied by animated graphics and addressing the issue of climate change relevant to southeastern states. $3 suggested donation.
• Thursday, April 29, 7-8 p.m.: Curator and essayist walk and talk. Free.
• Friday, May 14, 7-9 p.m.: "Flood Lines: Watery Stories and Poems," a VOX reading series event with local writers and UGA MFA creative writing students reading their works. $3-6 suggested donation.
• Sunday, May 30, 3:30-6 p.m.: Closing events, including a panel discussion with artists and a reception. Free.