New Foxworthy Gallery Exhibit Explores Art, Symbolism & Advocacy
FEBRUARY 10, 2025-- Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery will showcase the thought-provoking works of Santa Barbara-based artist Colleen M. Kelly.
The exhibition, titled “The Dichotomy of Laundry” and “The New Order Regression”, delves into women's societal roles and the intersection of gender and environmental issues and will be on display in the gallery through Feb. 21.
The multimedia exhibition features delicate paper laundry pieces, meticulously burned by hand with Morse code imagery, reflecting on social and ecological concerns. Additionally, a large-scale installation within the gallery space aims to spark discussions about shifting gender roles amid environmental changes.
Kelly, who holds an MFA from UC Santa Barbara, has long explored themes of environmentalism, social justice, civil rights, and feminist issues in her art. Her background in both printmaking and religious studies informs her use of symbolism, myth, and mysticism to create visually striking and deeply meaningful pieces.
As part of the exhibition, an artist’s talk with Kelly will be held on Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the gallery. This engaging event will offer visitors deeper insights into her creative process and artistic inspiration. Hancock’s dance students will present an interactive dance performance, further amplifying the themes of the exhibition.
Both the exhibition and its related events are free and open to the public.
The Ann Foxworthy Gallery is located inside the Academic Resource Center (bldg. L) on Hancock’s Santa Maria campus.
For more information on this exhibit or the Ann Foxworthy Gallery, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/gallery, or contact gallery director Laura-Susan Thomas at laura.thomas@hancockcollege.edu or 805-922-6966 ext. 3465.
