New exhibit inspired by home

Artists and ECU School of Art and Design faculty members Beth Blake and Jim Tisnado are working with – and inspired by – a medium not typically associated with art: land.

Their home sits on two-and-a-half acres that was formerly part of a large family farm. The soil that once grew crops became depleted after years of over-use. Blake and Tisnado have spent years bringing it back to vibrant life, planting trees, wildflowers and vegetable gardens.

Cyclical, featuring Blake’s drawings and Tisnado’s ceramic sculptures, is inspired by their experience. Says Blake, “From the very beginning this work had land management overtones. Now, it pushes beyond the confines of our yard to address larger questions of global agricultural challenges, questioning what we grow, where we grow it and how we grow it.”

An artists’ reception will be held April 4, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery on the second floor of Joyner Library.