Sentinels & Saviors: Iconic Avatars

The Sentinels & Saviors: Iconic Avatars exhibit explores the theme of art and healing amid challenging times. “Sentinels & Saviors: Iconic Avatars,” an exhibit featuring the artwork of Joell Jones and Kim Thoman, is presented at the Richmond Art Center’s South Gallery Wednesday, Sept. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 21. Gallery hours are Wednesdays thru Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. An “Opening Reception” for the exhibit will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1-3 p.m., while an “Artists Gallery Walkthrough” will take place Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. One goal of the exhibit is to encourage viewers, amid tumultuous times, to pay closer attention to themselves, their thoughts, and their feelings, according to the artists. Collectively, the artists create a space where Jones’ depiction of her adventures into her unconscious is held safe by Thoman’s guardian’s standing strong. Both bodies of work can be seen as iconic avatars allowing for inner work of the heart and mind–a common theme of both artists. Jones' various sized paintings reflect the evolution of her avatar as it changes, with the artist noting that she depicts a woman struggling for transformation as she shapeshifts while adrift in liminal environments. Thoman’s large, abstract steel figures will hang on the wall with an oil on canvas at their centers like an army of bodyguards for protection in this life, she said. Community members will have a chance to produce work inspired by the exhibit at “Make Your Own Avatar" at Fall Family Day” at the art center on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 3 p.m.