Stunning father-daughter exhibit opens season

This work is a collaborative piece by Maya James and Rufus Snoddy.

Artists Rufus Snoddy and Maya James open the exhibition season at Twisted Fish Gallery May 29 with a collaborative father-daughter show.

A free reception will be held at the gallery, one mile south of Elk Rapids, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29.

Rufus Snoddy

Snoddy will debut some of his “textural marking” paintings at the Twisted Fish exhibition, along with some works from his “Wings of Icarus” collection. The exhibition runs through June 28.

Snoddy has become well-known in the local arts scene since moving to the Traverse City area in 2002. His mixed-media works range from shields to abstracts, windows to murals.

The “Wings of Icarus” collection, inspired by the mythological story of Icarus, was featured at the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City in 2013. Snoddy used materials from his environment in the works, including trees branches from the woods of northern Michigan, found objects, fabricated materials and traditional media. He says the exhibit asks the question, “If we were to make wings to escape, what would they look like?”

James, who studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, says her work is a “mixture of brightly colored, urban-suburban modern art.” She says her art is a commentary on life, culture, family, injustice and “just plain old fun.” Despite the difference in their ages, interests and creativity, James said she and her father find inspiration in the “same basic pool.”

The public is invited to the opening reception, held in the Cottage Gallery at Twisted Fish, 10443 S. Bayshore Drive, which will feature local food and wine along with the art and performance.