Evolution featured in exhibit at W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory

Work from 13 Washington artists includes dioramas, ceramics, sculpture and video

The lush foliage of W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory will once again provide a backdrop for contemporary art beginning Jan. 12, 2016, with the opening of a show called “Evolution: Art, Science and Adaptation.”

The public is invited to a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15. The reception includes live music and refreshments, and a chance to meet the artists.

The show features the work of 13 Washington artists working in various media, including ceramics, sculpture, video and diorama:

Sean Alexander + Paul Cavanagh
Elizabeth Gahan
Don High
Ed Kroupa
Yuki Nakamura
Elise Richman
Claudia Riedener
Phil Roach
Jennifer Robbins
Susan Surface
Dion Thomas
Brent Watanabe

Read about the artists

The show is organized by Tacoma artist and curator Lisa Kinoshita, who in 2014 put together a similar Conservatory art exhibit titled “Ethnobotany.”

Here’s how Kinoshita describes the theme of the upcoming exhibit: “Human culture, art and belief systems grow increasingly complex and adaptive over time, in much the same manner as species of flora and fauna do. But modern science has made it possible to interrupt and intervene in the natural process.”

One of the participating artists, Brent Watanabe of Seattle, will show a video that will hide ghostly images of birds in the Conservatory’s dense greenery. Another exhibitor, Tacoma artist Phil Roach, makes small dioramas. Visual access to his miniature worlds is limited to peepholes.

Other artists who will display works include Susan Surface, a Seattle-based artist and photographer; Claudia Riedener of Tacoma, best known for ceramics; and Ed Kroupa, another Tacoman who works in various sculptural media.

The show runs through March 6. A public reception for the artists, with live music and refreshments, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15.

Learn more and read about each of the artists

• What: Art exhibit “Evolution: Art, Science and Adaptation”
• When: Jan. 12 - March 6. The Conservatory is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except on third Thursdays when closing is at 7 p.m.
• Where: W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, 316 S. G. St. in Wright Park
• Cost: $3 voluntary donation
• Details: Learn more about the exhibit.