Kay Harden Presenting ‘Shade’ at Morris Graves Museum of Art Beginning October 1st

This is a press release from the Humboldt Arts Council:

Humboldt County artist Kay Harden, known for her unmistakable black-and-white pen and ink style, debuts her collection “Shade” at the Morris Graves Museum of Art (636 F Street, Eureka) beginning October 1, 2022. The show will run through November 13 in the Anderson Gallery. This is Harden’s first exhibition at the MGMA since 2001.

Installed in time for October Arts Alive, Harden’s highly technical landscapes have an unexpected richness when the small black pen strokes play against the white background. The shading that this method creates was the inspiration for the title of this exhibition.

“Almost all of my work the past two years has been in black-and-white,” said Harden. “That makes it even more important that each composition is strong enough to stand on its own without using color. Another aspect of creating art and sharing it is to realize that each piece elicits an emotional response—something that attracts viewing time and time again,” continued Harden.

“The Humboldt Arts Council is honored to be able to showcase the work of Kay Harden at the Morris Graves Museum of Art.” says Executive Director-Curator Jemima Harr. “Kay’s intimate portraits of trees capture the essence and soul of each species; detailing every branch, piece of bark, and leaf; which draws the viewer in to explore the intricate pen marks as they weave together the many stories shared in the protection of the shade each tree provides.”

Kay Harden: SHADE will be on view at The Morris Graves Museum of Art through November 13, 2022.

The Morris Graves Museum of Art, located at 636 F Street, Eureka is open to the public noon-5p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for seniors (age 65 and over), military veterans, and students with ID; children 17 and under free; Families with an EBT Card and valid ID receive free admission through the Museums for All initiative, Museum members are free. Admission is always free for everyone on the first Saturday of every month, including First Saturday Night Arts Alive!, 6-9 p.m. and Mini Masters at the MGMA.