The Elements Show

By Sheila Trautman

Opening Reception

October 18, 2025

3:00 to 5:00 PM

Main Street Community Center

5494 Main Street (Route 23)

Windham NY

518.734.4168

Show Runs from October 18 to January 9, 2026

Windham Arts Alliance is excited to present The Elements Show in collaboration with the Main Street Community Center. The show ‘s opening reception is on October 18 from 3:00 to 5:00PM. We are also excited to share Sevi Darling’s music, a local artist whose talent and versatility will enhance the opening celebration.

What does the title Elements mean? After we selected the title an interesting discussion ensued. Are we talking about the element of nature or those involved in creating art? How do these two ideas associate? Come to the reception to meet the artists and discuss your ideas about Elements. As Sadhbh Aborn, the Executive Director of the Main Street Community Center, wrote:

Experience the power and beauty of nature in The Elements, an exhibition featuring works inspired by earth, air, water, and fire. Local artists explore the forces that shape our world through painting, [photography] … and mixed media, capturing both the strength and subtlety of the natural elements. Step into a gallery alive with energy, movement, and imagination.

The principals of art can be compared to the grammar of visual art that leads to a cohesive, intentional and impactful work of art. These are the tools artists use to shape the viewers understanding and evoke an emotional response, being used in both realistic and abstract art. Ten of these principles include balance, contrast, movement, emphasis, pattern, rhythm, unity , variety, proportion and harmony. Sometimes rules are broken to emphasize other elements of art such as in some of Kandinsky’s painting Composition VIII where he eliminates the importance of balance to emphasize color and a dynamic impression rather than a feeling of harmony. Does the repetition of a stroke or pattern create a rhythm in the work? We see this when studying works like the Starry Night by Van Gogh. None of us are at the level of these famous artists but we all strive to use the principles of art in our work. As you look at the artwork in this show think about it as a puzzle that the artist put together to create a satisfying picture. The work can be a painting or a photograph, and in each medium we can see abstract or traditional pieces of art.

In this show the viewer will have the opportunity to examine the paintings and decide for themselves what attracts them to a specific work.

Now the other concept that we discussed was the elements of Nature. The twelve elements of nature are Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Thunder, Ice, Force, Time, Flower, Shadow, Light and Moon. We can study these elements of nature in very complex terms or enjoy them for their beauty and sense of excitement. Like the elements of art they give meaning to our creative process. When we include shadows in our work or emphasize light or darkness in a picture or a sunrise or sunset we are using an example of contrast to express an idea. Are we using what we see to express the difference between joy and sadness or purity or negativity? A picture of waves or a stormy day emphasizes motion or a high mountain can show proportion or contrast. A reflection might emphasize water, calm or even unity. How do we see the world around us? Ask an artist or decide for yourself. Sherry Wack says about her pastel called the Shy Doe, “The Doe and the forest are both of the earth. They maintain an intimate relationship with each other.” As you look around, fill in the story the artist has created with your own conclusions and sensibilities. That is why art can reach us all. We can interpret what we see through our own experiences. The artist gives us a stepping stone to look into ourselves and see the world in a new light.

Please join us on October 18, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Main Street Community Center to enjoy the music and engage in lively discussions.