The Brandon Artists Guild is showing “Signs of Life” this spring — also the name of the BAG’s latest exhibition. “Signs of Life” features works by printmaker Jeannie Podolak and painter Dan Brett. The exhibit runs from May 7-July 5. A free opening reception will be held Friday, May 7, from 5-7 p.m., at the gallery at 7 Center Street, Brandon — yes, in person!
Social distancing, mask-wearing and capacity limits will be required.
OK. Now onto the artwork.
Jeannie Podolak, of North Chittenden, and Dan Brett, of Whiting, have created bodies of work that reflect their emotional and creative journeys through 2020 for this exhibition.
Brett, a mostly self-taught, multimedia artist, draws his inspiration from nature, both bright and dark. For “Signs of Life,” he has chosen beetles — real and imagined — as symbols of what’s required to deal with the challenges of the pandemic and upheaval.
“For me, beetles embody a delicate, beautiful strength and quiet resilience in the face of adversity,” Brett explained. “I’ve named the beetles after qualities that got us through lockdown: Pugnacity, Whimsy, Tenacity, and so forth.”
Podolak earned her degree in art education and studio work in printmaking from the University of Massachusetts.
“Printmaking becomes a physical conversation,” she said. “Rolling out ink, the touch of paper, the pressure of the press, and the nudging of accidents into purpose, are what inspire me.”
Her scroll images, with titles including “Patience,” “Surfacing,” “Hope,” and “Passage,” take their names from the emotional stages of life under Covid.
“I hope the viewer may find one image kindred to their own personal journey,” she explained.
The BAG, at 7 Center Street in Brandon, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 10a.m.-4 p.m. Call 802 247-4956 or visit BrandonArtistsGuild.org for more info.