[By Kathryn R. Burke | Montrose Mirror | September 2, 2024]

In times of uncertainty and confusion, when people hold and express sometimes violently opposing political views, there is one thing that can foster community and keep us together: ART.

Attend an art gallery opening and you will observe a variety of reactions by the people there—reactions to the art and the artist, rather than to each other. It’s common ground. The person standing next to you may not agree with you when it comes to the ballot box, but still be in accord when it comes to the artistic experience you are sharing. Love it, hate it, question it,  and talk about it—without shouting and maybe destroying a friendship.

Most of the patrons and gallery visitors gathered for the event enjoy the comradery and communicating about what they find in the work that is pleasurable… or at least pleasant. They are supportive of the art and the artist, and therefore of each other. Chances are, if they came to the show, they already have a positive opinion of what they are seeing and are glad to see and visit with friends who are also attending, some they haven’t seen for some time. It’s a meeting and greeting time, a safe sharing experience.

Viewing the art, members of the audience may disagree, mostly mildly,  occasionally  with venom. But (unless a lot of drinking has been involved), they don’t come to blows. They may call the artist nasty names, but not each other.

Regardless of  what “kind” of art is being shown —abstract, realism; impressionism, expressionism, baroque, pop, digital—and no matter what the subject matter—wildlife, still life, people life, landscape, sexually suggestive, demonic, sunny and smiley or death and destruction (or just whatever)—you will hear the same comments. “I hate it.” “I love it.”  “What was the artist thinking!” “I’d love to be there.” “I can’t bear to look at it.” “Oooh, I like how he painted that sky (water/forest/flowers.” “Makes me want to take a vacation and go visit that place.” “Why would you buy that/hang it in your home/put it up on your wall.” “I wish I could afford to/or I’m glad I can afford to buy them all.” “This guy is really good!”

That’s the thing. You gather together, enjoy a common experience discussing and viewing an artist’s visual perceptions which can be the same as your own…and the person standing next to you…or wildly different.

Take a show of photography. Everybody has their own way of seeing what’s right in front of them. Looking through the lens, if you will. But the person snapping pix with his phone is usually focused on something in his mind but not editing out the rest of the whatever else is crowding the subject, so he winds up with something that doesn’t tell the story he wants his picture to tell. The professional photographer displaying her work has mastered how to  focus; she knows how to enhance the primary subject and fade back (or remove) what doesn’t work, and so make a good photo a great photo, one worthy of framing and hanging on the wall. “Don’t you love it?” you ask the person next to you. “Absolutely,” he agrees, and your argument is about who will buy that beautiful photograph, not how you will vote in November. (In this case, fortunately, the artist can make a print for both of you.)

Consider a painter who specializes in still life. One painting is of a vase of spring flowers, petals drifting onto and reflecting from a sparkling glass tabletop. Soft colors. Gentle. Easy. Another is a dead duck, with brilliantly colored feathers, next to a sharp knife, and laid out on a similar table, blood oozing from its neck.  Vivid. Disturbing. You may find the first comforting or too ‘girlie,” lovely or boring. You may find the second intriguing, disgusting, a perfect likeness, or too realistic. You are standing there with friends, some like the first, others like the second, all of you enjoy talking about the merits (or demerits) of both paintings. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a common experience where your views may differ, but your appreciation of the artist’s effort is the same.

Art: It brings people together, gives them an opportunity for community, so important in a time of divisiveness, uncertainty, and confusion.

September 2024 is a big month for gallery shows and openings around our region. In Ridgway: The 610 Arts Collective (Postcards from the Edge); Ranch History Museum (Susan Humphrey); Create Space (Cheri Isgreen). In Cedaredge: Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (Denny McNeill, Connie Williams). And in Montrose, Montrose Center for the Arts (Jenny McIntyre and Jean Munroe);  LaNoue DuBois Winery in Montrose (Giovanna Designs and Susan Humphrey).