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Two exhibits kick off 2018 MAC season
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Two new gallery exhibits are opening at MAC, with the opening reception scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Both exhibits will be on display from Jan. 26 through March 30. Shown is Manifestation II 2186, a photographic print by Steven Agard. (Photo supplied)
MONROE - Two new exhibits are slated to open and begin Monroe Arts Center's gallery exhibition season for 2018. "Seasons of the Sugar River-Nature of Water," a juried show through the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association, will be on display in Frehner Gallery and "selections" by Madison photographer and artist Steven Agard will be exhibited in MAC's Wellington and Muranyi Galleries.

Both exhibitions open Friday and will be available for viewing through March 30 at Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in MAC's Wellington Gallery, with a brief gallery talk by Steven Agard at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Steven Agard's exhibit is photographic works inspired by Wisconsin's rural and urban landscapes. Beginning his process by "using his camera as a sketchbook" to capture images and ideas while out walking and exploring the outdoors provides him with the basic framework for the finished picture. He then uses digital editing tools that mirror traditional darkroom techniques to achieve his desired effects.

The works featured in Agard's exhibition are from several of his photographic series such as Manifestation I and II, Perimeter and Fairday. As he worked on these series and watched people interact with them, Agard became more and more interested in apparent surface texture. Agard is a co-founder of OpaColor LLC, which is a professional digital imaging studio in Madison, specializing in a variety of digital art services and fine art reproductions.

"Seasons of the Sugar River-Nature of Water" showcases the landscapes of the Sugar River Watershed from the headwaters region in western Dane County to the lower basin where the river converges with the Pecatonica River in northern Illinois. This juried exhibit fosters public awareness, a sense of place and stewardship in the watershed through the artistic expression of local and regional artists. The artwork includes a variety of media and styles by over 20 artists.

During the opening reception, the LSRWA will provide a supplemental exhibit of photos, maps and videos to illustrate the geography of the watershed and demonstrate the organization's work through collaborative projects with local schools and volunteer programs.