"Uncomfortable"

Earlier in 2022 Gualala Arts extended a call to artists to participate in a unique exhibit. That exhibit, “Uncomfortable”, is scheduled to open Friday, January 20, 2023 in the Burnett Gallery at Gualala Arts. A reception is scheduled on Friday, January 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Artists were encouraged to become part of this exhibit, an idea that was designed to push the artist and the viewer outside their comfort zone. What makes you uncomfortable? A person, place, thing, feeling, artistic medium, memory, food, animal? The list of possibilities is endless and varies from person to person.

The “uncomfortableness” in the exhibit’s title could, for example, come from any arena including, but not limited to physical, psychological, emotional, societal, political and more. Consider the possibility that the artists have always wanted to try their hand at ceramics or oil painting but haven’t gotten up the courage. Maybe they had been doing artwork for years but have been too uncomfortable to share it with others.  This show invited all of them to embrace the unease and bravely share this at Gualala Arts.  Artists were invited (but not required) to submit Artwork Narratives to be displayed with the artwork that describes their concept, inspiration, or backstory.

This exhibit may be uncomfortable for some, but that is the point. We encourage you to explore this new exhibit. “Uncomfortable” will continue through Sunday, February 5, 2023.

Artists may submit their ideas on or before December 30, 2022. The exhibit invites the artist in you to explore what makes you uncomfortable. The “uncomfortableness” can come from any arena including, but is not limited to, for example, physical, psychological, emotional,  societal, political and more.  Perhaps you have always wanted to try your hand at ceramics or oil painting but haven’t gotten up the courage? Maybe you have been doing artwork for years but have been too uncomfortable to share it with others.  This show invites us all to embrace the unease and bravely share this at Gualala Arts.  Artists are invited (but not required) to submit Artwork Narratives to be displayed with the artwork that describes their concept, inspiration, or backstory.

In keeping with all things “uncomfortable,” this show will premier a new online entry form:

Uncomfortable Online Registration Form

We have no doubt some will find this distressing and for those we offer not only remote “hand holding” by one of the co-curators (Teresa VanHatten-Granth and Harmony Susalla) but also the standard paper registration forms available in person at the Gualala Arts Center.

Registration forms are available now. Time is of the essence. All registrations must be received at Gualala Arts no later than Friday, December 30, 2022 (and art is due January 11, 2023). This exhibit may be uncomfortable for some, but that is the point. We encourage you to bring your artistic vision to this dynamic new exhibit.