ELSEWHERE, an exhibition of photography by local artist Michael Hickel will be held at the Colusa County Arts Council on Tuesday, July 18.
The Arts Council will host an opening reception at 151 Fifth Street from 6-8 PM, providing beverages and hors d’oeuvres to attendees.
In conjunction with this event, neighboring local businesses will open their doors for a “Summer Evening Stroll,” offering food, drink, and discounted shopping prices for visitors to downtown Colusa. Participating businesses include Richie’s Florist, Jameson’s on 5th, Rocco’s, Exotic Snacks, the Bookworm, Stitches Embroidery, Restoration on 5th, and the Colusa Tap Room, among others.
Michael Hickel is a lifelong Colusan whose experience documenting hiking trips and local scenery to share with friends and family inspired a deeper interest in the craft of photography.
Using single-lens reflex digital camera equipment, Hickel’s work demonstrates a methodical, self-taught approach that makes studied use of composition, framing, and subtle light effects. ELSEWHERE is the culmination of this process, showcasing Hickel’s emergence as a confident photographer capable of capturing the texture of unfamiliar places with a rare clarity.
LK James, curator and director of programming at the Colusa County Arts Council, said ELSEWHERE represents the far-ranging visions of Colusa County artists.
“This exhibition is all about place,” James said in a news release. “It shows what happens when people who live here and have a special relationship to the land that surrounds us take that passion with them everywhere they go.”
Drawn from the artist’s travels around the world, ELSEWHERE transports viewers to faraway scenes of landscapes, cities, and wildlife. The ephemeral nature of ELSEWHERE’s imagery underscores Hickel’s patience behind the lens and his gift for seizing fleeting moments before they disappear.
“This is a really cool opportunity to share my interest in photography and travel experience with my hometown community,” Hickel said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone who comes out.”
To celebrate all things Colusa, the Arts Council is partnering with local businesses to encourage a “Summer Evening Stroll,” inviting visitors to view the exhibition and to shop, eat, and drink at downtown Colusa establishments.
“Our friends from Richie’s Florist came into the gallery after they learned about the opening and offered to talk to other businesses about special evening hours that night,” said Daniel LoPilato, executive director at the Colusa County Arts Council. “Colusa has such a beautiful downtown, it was an instant ‘yes’! We’re thrilled to partner with our neighbors.”
Participating businesses include the Tap Room, Colusa Flooring, Rocco’s Bar & Grill, Exotic Snacks & Drinks, Jameson’s on 5th, the Colusa County Arts Council, the Bookworm, Stitches Embroidery & Customs, Richie’s Florist and Restoration on 5th. ■