College News

Shafer Art Gallery “Palimpsest” Exhibit now open

painting abstract
"Desert Garden," by Kathleen Kuchar

May 18, 2022
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy Photos submitted

The Shafer Art Gallery has unveiled its new exhibit “Palimpsest,” which will run through June 23 and feature works by 13 members of The Society of Layerists in Multi–Media. The society is a network for artists who express a holistic perspective in any style or medium and the show is celebrating its 40th year. There will be a public reception at 6:30 p.m. May 19 in the Gallery.

According to Founder Mary Carroll Nelson of New Mexico, the Society is always searching for artists who combine levels of experience in a single work of art.  

“The layers in layered art are the references and meaning that the artist brings to the work rather than the materials used to create it,” she said. “As a society, we are focused on the intentions of the artist.”

Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes said the show is wildly diverse and vibrant.

“The viewer will see a show featuring 2D and 3D artworks done in a variety of styles and mediums,” he said. “They are visually arresting, full of intense color and feature many well-known society members from our Midwest region. So, the name we came up with for this exhibit really helps embody and describe the work that is in it. A palimpsest is something that has a new layer, aspect, or appearance that builds on its past and allows us to see or perceive parts of this past. This expresses the intentions of all the artists in this exhibition.”

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Barnes at barnesd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342.