Lesser Light, Greater Joy

Left: Hope by Willard Johnson, Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48"

Center: Survey Series 320, 321, and 322 by Quincy Owens, wood and resin

Right: Untitled (waterslides) by Phillip Lynam, gouache on paper, 10” x 8”

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Harrison Center is exhibiting artwork in Hank & Dolly’s gallery that are an expression of joy. The title, Lesser Light, Greater Joy, proposes that though we are faced with many circumstances that can make our lives feel dark, both as the light fades in winter and we all face our own complex relationships with mental health, art offers us a way to process what comes our way. 

The show exhibits work from Benaiah Cusack, Johnson Simon, Lorie Lee Andrews, Morgan Binkerd, Philip Lynam, Cierra Johnson, Willard Johnson, and Elizabeth Nelson.

Left: Patchcords by Phillip Lynam, acrylic on panel, 20x16"

Center Left: Tokyo Time Machine by Willard Johnson, Oil, acrylic, oil stick on canvas, 24 x 22"

Center Right: Codependent by Nikki Owens, acrylic on board

Right: Forging Light by Liz Nelson, mixed media on wood, 12x12"

Morgan Binkerd, Harrison Center artist and Fellow, curated this show and reflects on choosing the work: “Art-making is a way to respond to the world– both our external and internal worlds. Many of the pieces in the show express joy not only in their bright colors, but give the feeling that they were made in ecstatic bursts of energy or from the excitement of making.”

“I am drawn to work where I can feel the artist’s energy manifested in their materials. I chose work, primarily paintings, that feel like the artist was attempting ways to express a sense of hope or possibility. Not only did I enjoy picking the work, but I’m inspired by the artists’ abilities to have unique voices and ways of navigating their own interior worlds by making art.”

The show can be viewed anytime during the months of January in the Hank & Dolly's Gallery during Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The works can also be viewed and purchased on our online gallery through February.