Western Washington University’s Art Gallery welcomed the work of Bellingham artist Claude Zervas in his exhibit, “Pond Water,” which opened on Jan. 15.
His exhibit is a collection of works of various media types created over multiple years, including pieces dating back to 2005.
“I use oil paint, wood, concrete, video, fiberglass, stone and electronics,” said Zervas.
This exhibit marks Zervas’ second appearance in the Western Gallery, following his prior exhibit, “Middle Fork,” which opened in 2015.
“Zervas employs an array of tools that are simultaneously mirroring and recalibrating our ever-evolving hybrid experiences,” said Kelly Lindner, Western Gallery director.
The gallery hosted an opening reception on Jan. 22, where the community came together to view the new exhibit, speak with the artist and hear from the staff who helped curate and organize the event. The reception had a large turnout, including students and members of the Bellingham community.
Lindner, who took on the role of Western Art Gallery director on Jan. 15, shared her gratitude for Zervas and his work on the opening day of the exhibit.
“It seems fitting to start my journey by honoring an artist who is originally from Bellingham, has achieved regional and national recognition and has once again made Bellingham his home,” she said.
Lindner commented on her perception of the work, saying that although the results of the final pieces may be different, the art encourages viewers to take a moment to reflect. “The work ultimately invites you to take a closer look, to take a moment with contemplation and get a deeper understanding of how we as humans engage with the world,” Lindner said.
Matt Christman, Zervas’ long-time friend, shared how he has a different perception of the work since he knows the artist.
“I see interesting choices that I wonder if other people recognize because I know him,” he said, admiring Zervas’ wood carving sculpture that depicts bears with glowing eyes.
Zervas notes that his work leaves room for interpretation by the viewer.
“Everybody sees things differently,” he said. “It’s up to the viewer to decide.”
The community and students who attended the reception recognize the importance of having the experience to view art.
Western art student, Charlie Ariss, who was viewing the exhibit with their classmates, said, “I think it’s really impactful and important, not only for art students, for something like this to be free to everybody and so available to students. I think that can be really influential.”
Whether an art student or someone who just wants to view an exhibit, the Western gallery creates a space for everyone to have the experience to view art.
Christman added, “I feel like it’s really important for people to keep open minds and a sense of wonder. It’s really so easy to get the lead boots of day-to-day existence.”
Inez Chiapella, who is getting their bachelor's in Fine Arts at Western, expressed their belief in the importance of events in the art world, including the opening reception.
“It’s community cultivation. Having people from outside of Western and joining from Bellingham or the larger area is really impactful because community cultivation within art is really essential,” they said.
“Pond Water” will be on display in the Western Gallery through March 21 and is free for all during the gallery’s open hours, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.
Mackenzie Rankin (she/her) is a reporter on The Front’s campus life beat. She is a third-year public relations journalism major. Aside from finding new stories to write, she can be found doing art or on walks with her friends. You can reach her at mackenzierankin.thefront@gmail.com
