Venice Arts presents the closing reception for Painter Ruth Chase’s first solo exhibition, The West of Lincoln Project. At 10:30, Ruth Chase will be giving a brief talk about how the West of Lincoln Project happened and what it means to use art for positive social change. Following, Ruth will be available for any questions about the work.

Awarded a grant by the Carl Jacobs Foundation, the project traces the history of Venice through the life stories of people who grew up here, as told through large-scale paintings and audio interviews by Chase, and accompanying biographical texts written by Gena Lasko. The exhibition is a chance for Venetians—both longtime residents and newcomers— to reflect on the history of our unique community as told through personal stories.

The project was more than two years in the making and involved over 300 participants, each of whom was chosen to convey different perspectives and a broad spectrum of experiences. Like Chase, these subjects grew up and attended school in Venice. Chase worked in ongoing collaboration with each individual to create painted portraits reflecting both the subject’s life growing up in Venice and the powerful insights that arose from this place.

Featured portraits include: Fernando Manzanilla, Rhonda Lynn Wise, Solo Scott, Brad James, Meta Zimmerman, Gloria Olivas Omar, David Fowler, Elaine Love Leslie, Eddie Hadvina, Leonard Duran, and Ruth Chase.

In addition to the paintings and audio, the exhibition features a Venice Tribute Wall, where the public is invited to contribute their own stories and memories of Venice. To learn more about how to participate in the Tribute Wall, visit: ruthchase.com/west-of-lincoln/

Gallery Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am-5pm and by appointment

Note: Limited street parking available. We encourage you to use ride sharing to get to this event.