Opening Reception May 5, 2023
6 to 9pm
Ming Toy Gallery

My masks are unbound: literary allusions, religious icons, elements of pop culture and even humor often accent these works. I have made masks from early on in my career. At one time, they evoked ideas of the primitive or elements of the sea, or even the darkness of the human spirit. Today, many of them touch on similar themes. However, they have evolved into explorations of morality, race, music, modern media and more. As such they address, sometimes inadequately, my concerns about current day struggles. They are indeed masks, but, oddly enough, are intended to serve as a metaphor for facing problems, not hiding from them. A paradox, I know. Often, I do integrate teapots and teacups on these face sculptures. No surprise, since I’m a potter. But people often do ask. For me, the sharing of tea suggests a communion with others, a mulling over of ideas: and, of course, tea and teapots have had a long and historical significance to potters. A quiet nod to those who have lived that tradition.

John Dennison

Opening Reception April 7, 2023
6 to 9pm
Ming Toy Gallery

Brian Tait's work reflects on the impacts of separation, loss and disconnection on our identities, unraveling the meaning of home, objects and familiarity. He uses found objects and recycled materials to create paintings, sculptures and installations embodying destruction and rebirth. His works aim to explore the harsh realities of volatility and instability as well as optimism and resilience.

The past three years have been an exploration of these ideas as they relate to his own experiences with displacement and rebuilding, leading to an intense study of the relationship between the tangible and intangible parts of life. Through his work, Brian endeavors to visually and cerebrally investigate the consequences of separation on mental health and wellness, particularly in regard to the erosion of identity and sense of self. His art has been a portal for him to process and reinvent after space, belongings and physical distance have been taken away.

Ultimately, Brian's art is focused on discovering the beauty and strength in reopening closed doors, making a home from displacement and relying on creativity to redefine oneself. He seeks to use his work to inspire new ways to move forward, not for a brighter tomorrow, but to cultivate endless potential for us all.

Opening Reception March 3, 2023
6 to 9pm
Ming Toy Gallery

As an artist, I am shaped by the Midwestern landscape and stories from my youth growing up in the rural Midwest. That inspires my art.

Denise Levy

Opening Reception Feb. 3, 2023
6 to 9pm
Ming Toy Gallery

We are filled with love this month and want to celebrate. We're back in Benson with a new name (formerly the little gallery) and location, Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and we're featuring love-themed works by a group of nontraditional artists who are making their gallery debut. Stop by and check out our new digs!