And spring comes green again… at MUSEO

Spring has arrived and the garden needs tending. With that first dig of the spade into freshly composted soil comes the essence of a time of rebirth, sprouting bulbs, hovering hummingbirds and the promise of warmth.

By Patricia Duff • April 7, 2009 6:48 pm
Kathe Fraga’s “Romantique” is a mixed-media paean to spring.
Kathe Fraga’s “Romantique” is a mixed-media paean to spring.

Spring has arrived and the garden needs tending.

With that first dig of the spade into freshly composted soil comes the essence of a time of rebirth, sprouting bulbs, hovering hummingbirds and the promise of warmth.

To celebrate the optimism of spring and the joy that comes from working the earth, MUSEO gallery has opened “Promenade au Jardin,” a show devoted to the garden.

“Everyone seems to be thinking about their gardens,” MUSEO owner Sandra Jarvis said.

“With the weather turning warmer, there is a sense of excitement about how people can express themselves through their gardens,” she added.

With the onset of spring in mind, MUSEO artists and some guest artists incorporated imagery of garden motifs in a variety of work including still lifes, landscapes and sculptures — some indoor and some outdoor pieces — all with an eye to the garden and a celebration of the season.

“Promenade au Jardin” is awash in whimsy, color and earthiness with pieces made with glass, metal, stone, wood and mixed-media, all currently on display at the gallery.

The show will continue through April with several special events added, including:

• A “Trunk Show” with scarf and wrap designs by artist Cheryl Kamera, who will show how to create quick and easy garden party attire from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11.

• Author and Seattle Times columnist Valerie Easton will answer gardening questions and offer signed copies of her recent book, “A Pattern Garden,” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18.

• Dominique Emerson, owner of Custom Landscape Solutions, will offer advice on placing and caring for outdoor art from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

“Viewing art in the gallery gives one the ability to entertain spacial considerations for the garden and to consider designs that will work aesthetically,” Jarvis said.

However, not everything in this show is strictly for art’s sake.

From a bird’s point of view, the colorful glass birdbaths by glass artist Rob Adamson are not only aesthetically pleasing but quite practical, too.

MUSEO Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Tuesdays, which are by appointment. The gallery is located at 215 First St. in Langley. Call 221-7737 or visit www.museo.cc.