Third Street Gallery archive: 2012 Exhibitions: Bread & Butter: Mixed Media Sculpture and Installation by Lush Newton

Humboldt State University First Street Gallery presents, Bread & Butter: Mixed Media Sculpture and Installation by Lush Newton, on exhibit from October 2nd through November 4th, 2012. 

Lush Newton, a popular figure in California’s North Coast artistic scene, hails originally from Missouri. She studied at the Kansas City Art Institute with subsequent employment stints at Hallmark Cards and the Walt Disney Company where she worked as a character artist. In 2001, she settled on California’s North Coast where she melds her experience at those two giant forces of popular culture with her over-the-top cartoon-sculptural inventions—informed by affectionate send-ups of the "Hillbilly Culture" of her native Ozark home and references to the tradition of boisterous cartoons, circa mid-Twentieth Century America. 

Newton uses found, recycled and humble materials, which reflect her approach to life and art. While her cartoon-like aesthetic disarmingly threads its way through her work, it belies a sincere, authentic and sensitive affection, supported by her expert craft, which the artist generously casts over her subjects who dwell at the margins of culture. 

Newton has previously shown work at HSU First Street Gallery, when in Winter 2011, she collaborated with artist David White on a show called Step Into the Back Room. She’s back again and as with her last show, Newton has big plans for HSU First Street Gallery. Mounting the walls, floor and ceilings of the gallery with sculpture, installations, wall mounts, stage curtains, and 2-D art, all made out of recycled materials, she is creating a large-scale tableau bursting with color and life. 

There will be a gallery reception for the artist, whichwill take place at HSU First Street Gallery on October 6, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. during Eureka’s Arts Alive program. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. and is located at 422 First Street, Eureka, California. Admission is free. Those planning group tours are encouraged to call ahead. For more information call 707-443-6363.

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