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MidMountain, an Appalachian arts and agricultural nonprofit in Arnolds Valley, is hosting a juried art show and film festival called “Art is a Natural Bridge: Connecting Creativity and Environmental Activism” this spring.
The show will highlight works related to the constant connection between our natural world and the choices we must make to protect it, locally and globally, said a spokesperson.
Artists working in 2-D, 3-D, and film/video media were invited to interpret that theme broadly while submitting work for consideration. Accepted physical works will be displayed at the Mid-Mountain Retreat gallery room, on the grounds, in the Post Office Community Center, and available to view online from April 13 through June 16.
“For too long exploitative extraction of natural resources has devastated the mountains of Appalachia that many artists call home. And in many cases, that devastation turns artists into activists,” said MidMountain curator Andrea “River” Peterson. “This is an opportunity to honor how creativity can be used to inspire action.”
Proceeds from art submission donations and commissions will benefit MidMountain, Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights (POWHR), and Artivism VA in the ongoing fight against resource extraction in Appalachia.
Submissions will be weighed by the Art is a Natural Bridge jury of artists, journalists, and activists, including Hayes Brown, Dan Ideozu, Laura Saunders, Chad Clark, Monica Stroik, Christine Sajecki, Rob Humphreys, Sarah Murphy, Ellie Riley, and Peterson.
Art is a Natural Bridge will kick off with a day of activities at MidMountain April 13 starting at 10 a.m., including art stations and a potluck lunch, as well as vending from artists and local environmental organizations during a opening reception from 3 to 6 p.m. that will feature a performance from Broadway and Indie music sensation Brittain Ashford.
A film festival of film/video art selections will also be screened at MidMountain, along with a free community showing of “King Coal,” the award-winning documentary from regional filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon, on May 25.
Contact MidMountain curator Andrea “River” Peterson at [email protected] with any questions.
