The beauty and vulnerability of nature inspires the Moss Arts Center’s newest exhibition of work by artist Susan Danko. Rich with bold color, the artist’s paintings depict dreamy scenes of natural environments, tinged with sensitivities to environmental risks.

The exhibition will open with a reception on April 13 from 5-7 p.m. in the Grand Lobby of the Moss Arts Center, 190 Alumni Mall, and will be on view until June 3. The galleries and all related events are free and open to the public.

A contemporary landscape painter, Danko creates her works with acrylic on canvas from both memory and observation. Experiencing the natural environment is an important part of Danko’s creative process.

Through close study of nature, and in particular, forests she creates paintings that address the realities of the natural environment, including the effects of invasive species, extreme weather, and environmental degradation.

Danko’s work has been shown in galleries and art spaces in the Ohio region, including SPACES Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, and the Butler Institute of Art.

In addition to being shown regularly at Bonfoey Gallery in Cleveland, Danko’s work was shown at the Angela Meleca Gallery in Columbus, the Cheryl Hazan Gallery in New York City, and the 2006 Scope Art Fair in New York City. Danko received a bachelor of fine arts in 1998 at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Danko’s landscape works have inspired a number of related events, including:

Gallery talk, “Nature and the Arts”

  • April 20, 4 p.m., Ruth C. Horton Gallery
  • Join a discussion with area artists, activists, and community members who incorporate art and nature in their work.

Earth Day workshops

  • April 22 and 23, Miles C. Horton Jr. Gallery
  • Two days of events that will include hands-on activities for all ages. A schedule will be posted online when all times and activities are confirmed.

Gallery talk, “Connecting with Nature Through Citizen Science,” with Michelle Prysby

  • May 10, 2 p.m., Ruth C. Horton Gallery
  • Michelle Prysby, director of the Virginia Master Naturalist program and Virginia Cooperative Extension faculty member in Virginia Tech’s Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, delivers a talk for all ages.

The Moss Arts Center offers many opportunities for students, faculty, and community members to engage with artists and their work. To arrange a group tour of the galleries, or for information on presenting a My Take talk in the galleries, contact Meggin Hicklin, exhibitions program manager for the Moss Arts Center.

The Moss Arts Center’s galleries are regularly open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.– 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kmcallis@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to an event.

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