On September 18th the Hygienic is pleased to present “Critical Mass (6) Under Influence,” a show that showcases its most beloved artists: the six resident co-op members; Greg Bowerman, Jenn Collins, Liz Larson, Jack Montmeat, Kat Murphy and Navada Swan.

The Hygienic is maintained largely by the support of its cooperative artists who work diligently within their community, bringing art in many forms to many private and public organizations and individuals. Working along side Kente Cultural Center, The Garde Arts Center and the Drop in Learning Center to name a few, this mass has helped to meet the creative needs of many outside institutions while still inspiring and encouraging the unique voices of their own. It is in this synergy that a show as diverse as the original Hygienic restaurant menu is possible.

Greg Bowerman owner and director of the Golden Street Gallery is going on his third year of residency as a Hygienic co-op member. Bowerman currently rendering themes of child abuse and sexual identity redefines the classic methods of traditional portraiture. Fusing dynamic shapes wrapped in saturated color Bowerman employs a visually energetic experience.

Jenn Collins is a mixed media assemblage artist who has lived at the Hygienic since it opened. Working primarily with antique and natural materials Jen’s work often presents symbolic narratives reflecting many diverse themes. For “Critical Mass” Collins has presented the opportunity to explore the realities of assemblage and the landscape.

Liz Larson will be showing various paintings of different media reflecting recent explorations of figures in movement. Larson has also created a series of mono types on a smaller scale which will explore movement and light in everyday situations. Larson’s paintings, with a strong emphasis on drawing, articulating the element of “Critical Mass” that describes her “personal overload” through “crowded compositions”

Jack montmeat is a traditional realist painter focusing on still life's and portraits. For the last year he has locked himself in his studio to present a body of work for this exhibition. “I paint from life and based on the amount of time that goes into the pieces, the line where my work ends and my life begins continues to become more obfuscatory.” Using light to unify seemingly disparate elements Montmeat's work consistently articulates a timeless solidity.

Kat Murphy is one of the original co-op members and has worked on many of the arts projects in the New London area. Currently working on the Designer Showhouse hosted in New London to benefit the Children’s Museum, Murphy also an interior designer uses her design sense to articulate images derived from or relating to landscape and architecture. Working with mixed media and encaustic Murphy's paintings juxtapose a bold message in a natural environment.

Navada Swan owns and operates Onyxswan, her company which specializes in sterling silver, semiprecious and beaded jewelry designs, she also is co-owner of Empress of Art gallery & Boutique in New London. Navada’s current art work includes Native American and contemporary jewelry designs in sterling silver and semi precious stones as well as beadwork designs in Czech cut glass beads. In exploration of photographic presentation, she has combined the jewelry and figurative elements to create one of her visions entitled, “Rice and Beads II”, a series of narrative black and white photographs.

The eclectic nature of this show will only fully be realized upon entrance to the gallery. Come one, come all, and dare to be inspired, dare to dream and dare to be under the influence of this critically acclaimed mass called the Hygienic Co-op. For more information please visit our web site at www.hygienic.org or call 860.443.8001.