It features a beautiful display of prints, fiber art, and screen monotypes by artists Catherine and Maryruth Prose, which incorporate 60-year-old pressed flowers from family member Vera Prose.

In examining the historical context of art, particularly the portrayal of nature, the role of women artists becomes significant. Over the course of history, women were confined to portraying flowers and still-life compositions, primarily due to societal constraints that limited their access to formal arts education. Flowers, with their delicate and innate beauty, symbolize virtues historically assigned to femininity. In societies where women’s pursuits were restricted, the cultivation, study, and representation of flowers provided an avenue for artistic expression and a connection with nature deemed socially acceptable. Flowers became a symbol of empowerment for women, representing not just their beauty but their resilience.

From 1957 to 1982, the Prose family leased land on the Apache reservation near Hawley Lake in the Arizona White Mountains, a range abundant with Ponderosa Pine, Aspen, Spruce and high mountain meadows. During this time, Vera Prose (1904-1998) collected wildflowers that are the focal point of this exhibition. In our collaborative exploration these flowers serve as more than botanical specimens; they embody familial memories, evoking a sense of time, place, and interconnectedness with nature and loved ones. Vera’s pursuit of these wildflowers provided her with a respite from traditional domestic roles, offering her solitude, creative freedom, and autonomy. Through mediums like wood engravings, monotypes, and Aspen poles wrapped in wool, we symbolize themes of loss, change and renewal.

The interplay between art and nature that permeates this exhibition highlights the intricate thread connecting all living organisms on Earth. As we delve into artistic expressions that reflect our ties with one another and the natural world, we are reminded of the delicate equilibrium and interdependence among ecosystems. Wildflowers play a critical role in upholding the harmony of ecosystems by providing vital nourishment and refuge for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. They enrich soil quality, mitigate erosion, and foster biodiversity. Moreover, wildflowers aid in carbon sequestration while offering a sense of natural tranquility that promotes mental well-being.

Art acts in a way words cannot for exploring, comprehending, and celebrating the interconnectedness with nature and loved ones. Through our creative endeavors, we seek to honor the storied legacy of nature-inspired art and to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the symbiotic relationship between artistic creation and the environment.

A Family Connection Through Printmaking, Fiber, and Word by Catherine, Maryruth + Vera Prose
Opening Reception: May 30, 4-6pm
Artist Talk: May 31, 2pm
Masterclass: June 27, 1-5pm