Earth, Sea, Sky shows Permanent Art Collection’s strong points

Come discover the natural beauty of Earth, Sea, Sky, the University Gallery’s current exhibition. The survey of works comes straight from Pacific Lutheran University’s Permanent Art Collection and offers views of the rural and the urban landscape in styles ranging from abstract to realist.  PLU campus and community members can check out the gallery Monday – Friday, 8am-4pm. The exhibition is free and runs until October 3.

The exhibition features many works by artist F. Mason Holmes, a local painter and former PLU faculty member. PLU has a large collection of his works and this is the first time that so many of the works in PLU’s collection have been on display at once, divided between the University Gallery and the University Gallery Annex.  Holmes is known for his images of Mount Rainier, but viewers will also see birches in Wright Park and the waves of Commencement Bay.

“[The theme] plays to one of the strengths of the collection, which is landscape. We have so many great views, in such a diverse range of styles,” Heather Mathews, gallery coordinator and exhibition curator says. “It provides a great introduction to the University’s Permanent Art Collection.”

Other pieces and styles include Walt Tomsic’s Idealized Bavarian Landscape, a crisp, bold work combing abstraction and naturalism, and Robert Indiana’s Brooklyn Bridge, which barely alludes to the landmark with a logo-like inscription, relying on our associations with the bridge to complete an image of New York City.  Others like Constance Evan’s Untitled (Landscape with Clouds) draws the viewer into a contemplative state, creating a mood while remaining vague in its reference.

“Images of the landscape capture our imagination by reminding us of beloved places,” Mathews says. “Whether or not we know the specific location, an evocative landscape can awaken memories tied to home or to travel, the comfort of the familiar or to the lure of the unknown.”

Come by and spend a few moments or a few hours and find your favorite place.