A Dark Garden Springs to Life at the Erie Art Museum

You enter a dark room, shrouded by imposing shadows and full of what appear to be twisted pieces of garden furniture. You can feel the intense ceramic stare of decrepit gnomes and fairies of some kind as you wander through the garden, trying to piece together what happened to take society here.

Welcome to Dark Garden, the latest installation from Albany artist, Linda Huey, presented by the Erie Art Museum.

Artist and New York native, Huey, grew up using her hands to create in the garden— something she believes influenced her to become an artist — with the subject matter of this installation taking direct inspiration from those earlier days. This influence is all but apparent in this collection of works, ranging from flowerbeds full of nails and rebar, to the ominous sphere that watches over the room, presenting a dire reflection of the consequences of pollution on our planet.

Starting Jan. 30, 2016, art lovers in the Erie area and curious minds alike can visit the museum and explore Huey’s vision of a garden plagued by the advancements of modern life, such as technology and the prevalence of disposable items with a subtle juxtaposition of nature with the man-made objects we surround ourselves with.

Huey will present a unique inside look into the Dark Garden on Gallery Night for members at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Mar. 11, prior to the opening reception that will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. The installation will be featured in the museum until Jan. 8, 2017, providing those who appreciate art ample time to experience Huey’s vision for themselves.

In addition to the Dark Garden installation, the Erie Art Museum and its collection of over 8,000 objects is open yearround, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m., with school tours and education programs available. The museum can be reached online at erieartmuseum. org, or by phone, at (814) 459-5477.

Britton Rozzelle is The Arts Editor for The Spectator and he can be reached at ae.spectator@gmail.com.

RELATED ARTICLES