Dilapidated houses, abandoned buildings and rubble aren’t exactly the first things one thinks of as subjects for “wine country” art—beautiful landscapes and vineyards seem to get all the attention. But this week, the people at ECHO Gallery in Calistoga open an exhibition, “Radiant Ruins,” dwelling on the bright side of decay.
The show features works by three artists, including Eric Shearer, who utilizes mixed media such as personal artifacts, drawings and 3-D elements to reference suburban themes and evoke a sense of impermanence. Mikey Kelley composes visual poems out of handcrafted wire drawings and their shadows, and Marie Shelley layers intricate pen-and-ink drawings over transfers of photographs, blending the drawing with the photograph and creating a striking effect. See the work of artists who show no fear at the sight of “condemned” signs at an opening reception with wine and live music on Saturday, March 23, at ECHO Gallery. 1348 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. 7–9pm. Free. 707.812.2201.
