Symbols Past, Present, Future is the theme of the Southern Coos Hospital and Health Centers new art show, on display now through the end of March. Artists were called upon to reflect upon petroglyphs, hieroglyphs, or other ancient symbols and communication methods and then create something using their own cultural heritage, real or imagined past family stories, original symbols. They were invited to enter up to three pieces of any artistic style, as long as it could be hung on a wall.
Southern Coos Hospital hosted a reception on January 10 to open the show, and it was well attended by supporters of art, the hospital, and our fair town. The talented Left Coast Jazz provided smooth background music for the event, and the refreshments were courtesy of the Southern Coos Hospital Auxiliary.
The artists who participated certainly rose to the challenge and created a beautifully diverse show that intrigues all who visit. The artists were clearly inspired by a vast range of symbols and represented them in a variety of forms. They delved into personal history as with the painting Dad, his Chair, and the Lake, gender with a framed, well-worn Harley-Davidson t-shirt entitled Symbol of Manliness, math and science in the mixed media piece Spacetime, and even symbols of Bandon: a painting of the Coquille Lighthouse and a blooming gorse bush called Gorse of Course which even included a real sprig of the thorny plant.
Theres no better way to experience this show than to see it in person. Given enough time, visitors will be drawn in and challenged to let their minds expand and wander as they consider what the images in the art represent.
