Comfort Zones: The crossroads of Urban & Rural

Urban and rural locales are typically viewed as distinct worlds, mutually exclusive of one another. Taking a deeper look into the fabric of these locations there is much to be found that connects these disparate places. The poetics of everyday life, beauty of the surroundings, conventional and idiosyncratic dynamics, and historical roots, are but a few of the aspects that unite these comfort zones. These are also the fundamental elements explored in paintings by Chicago-based artist Mary Phelan and South-Central Virginia artist Eldridge Bagley. Seeing their work together is ultimately a glimpse into personal definitions of a sense of place.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.