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Why Did the Chicken Circle the Camper?

Why Did the Chicken Circle the Camper?

This month’s exhibition in the Gallery is titled Women’s Art: Heart & Soul. The show is filled with riotous  color and an ambitious variety of wonderful art by woman from all over the region—paintings, sculptures, found art, jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, photography—such a delightful display of rich talent.

As visitors peruse the show, one large (5 feet x 4 feet) painting seems to be catching everyone’s eye. It is titled The Simple Life and its creator is Jerry Ann Fenter. Here is a photo image of the art:

chicken painting

Watching people approach and then study this piece is amusing and fascinating. First, most people see the chickens—their bold look, their large presence in the frame of the painting, and their glorious colors; with feathers that look so real it’s as if you could reach out and feel their downy softness. Chickens in colorful grass, with splatters of primary colors flung here and there. Once you’ve taken in the chickens you notice the glowing blue trailer in the background, thinly outlined in red against a darkening blue sky. The trailer is being pulled by what appears to be a gold-colored station wagon.

The atmosphere is calm and a bit mysterious. Were the chickens there when the trailer drove up? Or are they taking a roadside rest after traveling in the trailer? Or is this someone’s backyard where the trailer and automobile have been patiently waiting to start a journey?

Recently we had a group of children ages 6-12 visiting from the Montessori school. They were quite taken with this painting and were eager to discuss it. Here are some of their comments:
“The chickens are having a conversation. I wonder what it’s about?”
“The chickens are obviously on a trip and needed a break. They look tired and a little mad.”
“Look, all the lights are on in the trailer. I wonder who is in there and what they are doing.”
“These chickens all look so soft!”
“I didn’t know you could splatter paint like that. That’s cool!”
“Who travels with chickens?”
“Who would have a gold car like that?”
“Those chickens are so serious!”

Interestingly, adults tend to say the same kind of things.

Pictures tell a story, and when we don’t know the story we feel the desire to make one up. What story do you see here? What does this painting say to you?

Come visit us at the Art Center and see this amazing work for yourself—and all the work in this lovely show. The exhibition runs through February 25.

Kerry Cobb, CCA Executive Director