Avant Gardens, Newport Art Museum, April 27- September 8, 2019

The Great Piece of Turf, Cut Paper Installation, 2019

The Great Piece of Turf, Cut Paper Installation, 2019

Opening, Friday April 26, 5 pm - 7 pm

“Avant Gardens” brings together the work of contemporary artists who examine themes related to the garden and cultivated nature….While some of the artists begin with the garden as a point of creative departure to explore the aesthetic and decorative qualities of plants (flowers, herbs, and vegetables), others focus on the environmental issues related to the garden and gardening. Still there are other artists who emphasize the social dimensions of gardening by focusing on the literal and symbolic roles of gardens in cultures and communities. Participating artists include Roberley Bell, Caleb Cole, Bob Dilworth, Thea Dodds, Steven J. Duede, Lucas Foglia, Beth Galston, Joo Lee Kang, Mary Kocol, and Randal Thurston.