Central Oregon Community College presents its newest art exhibit to the community. The Future is Genderless art show asks how gender is viewed now, and how gender can evolve in the future. Located in Pinckney Gallery at Pence Hall, the show features over 15 local community and student artists.
“Art receptions are celebrations! It’s a time to celebrate work being done on campus and/or in the larger community. Putting art ‘out there’ on display is the final step to make the work complete. By viewing other artists’ work, I can get to know them better. I feel satisfied and grateful any time my own work is on display,” said Kathleen Cooper, an artist and reception host for COCC’s gallery openings.
Art alumni Kathleen Cooper and Bergen Bock present a sculpture in the show titled, Monocecious. The sculpture description writes, “in monoecious plants, female and male flowers are separate, but are produced on the same plant. Thus in the plant world, it is common and expected that an individual will not be restricted to a single gender only.”
Cooper told The Broadside the figurative sculpture was made with terra cotta clay, combining a human and a tree-like form. Then, Bock provided the detailed, bark-like surface in oil paint.
“I’d never seen oils used this way on ceramics and I love the effect Bergen has achieved. To complete the work, I assembled the crown using actual pressed leaves,” Cooper said. This is the first collaboration between the two artists.
The opening reception was Wednesday, March 15. The show will be available to view until Tuesday, April 28.
Serena Zohbe Garcia
Reporter
