NARROWSBURG, NY — As spring awakens with vibrant colors and newfound life, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) presents two exhibitions that contemplate the unfurling growth of spring, as well as the delicate balance between beauty and decay in the natural world.

In “Tendrils, Limbs, Bellies and Blooms,” artist Hanna Washburn creates anthropomorphic sculptures of fabric and repurposed objects. 

“Beauty in Breakdown,” by Catherine Chesters, creates mixed media compositions exploring themes of decay and regeneration.

The opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at the gallery. Both Washburn and Chesters will give artist talks on Saturday, 

May 11. See delawarevalleyartsalliance.org for details, including time. 

About Hanna Washburn

Hudson Valley, NY-based Hanna Washburn constructs sculptures from repurposed materials, such as clothing, furniture and household items. The objects are sourced from her own life and those of her friends and family. 

She sews by hand, and the forms evolve into complex aggregates of color, pattern and texture. 

Employing textile techniques such as quilting, embroidery and upholstery, she creates anthropomorphic sculptures that blur boundaries between objects and lifeforms. The resulting sculptures suggest growth and change as they extend into space.

“Tendrils, Limbs, Bellies, and Blooms” reflects the season we find ourselves in: springtime, a moment of change, lengthening and growth. The works in this exhibition are materially and thematically concerned with cycles of life and care. The works are on display in the Alliance Gallery.

About Catherine Chesters

“Beauty in Breakdown,” an exhibit of work by Catherine Chesters, explores the intricate relationship between beauty 

and the breakdown of conventional forms. Through her mixed media artworks, Chesters contemplates the beauty that emerges from fragmentation and disarray.

This is Chesters’ second solo show at DVAA. These works wrestle with the past and further explore ideas of decay and destruction. “Beauty in Breakdown” challenges traditional notions of perfection.

Chesters, who is originally from County Durham, U.K. and is now based in Narrowsburg, draws inspiration from the discarded elements found in everyday life—items natural or unnatural. Much like the mycorrhizal networks that weave through the forest floor, connecting trees in a symbiotic relationship, these fragments reflect the unseen bonds that unite us all.

“Beauty in Breakdown” is exhibited in the Loft Gallery.

The Loft and Alliance Galleries are located in the DVAA building at 37 Main St.

Both exhibits will be in place until Sunday, June 9. 

For more information, visit www.delawarevalleyartsalliance.org.

Contributed by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.