COLUSA, CA (MPG) – A strong turnout marked the opening reception for the “Time + Space” exhibition Jan. 17 at the Colusa County Arts Council Gallery, where community members gathered to view work created through the Social Studies Artist Residency.
The exhibition features artwork by nine artists: Trevor Dahm, Sarah McColl, Michelle Fleck, Lindsay Stripling, Corinne Smith, Paige Raina Davis, Jonathan Jackson, Ren Allathkani and Emily Gui.
The show reflects a wide range of practices and materials, with works including textiles, apparel, printmaking, mixed media, painting, photography and other interdisciplinary approaches.
“Time + Space” centers on what can emerge when artists are given dedicated time and space to focus on their work in an unfamiliar setting. The exhibition highlights projects developed through the Social Studies Artist Residency, an Arbuckle-based program that invites artists from the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area to spend a week working without pressure to produce a specific outcome.
Gallery visitors moved throughout the space during the reception, engaging with the varied styles and formats on display. Several of the featured artists were present, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions about their work, creative process and residency experience. Conversations throughout the evening reflected strong interest in both the artwork and the broader goals of the residency program.
The exhibition represents one of the most diverse groups of resident artists to date, with many participants identifying as interdisciplinary artists. Rather than working within a single medium, artists allow ideas and concepts to determine how each piece is executed, resulting in a wide range of visual and conceptual experiences for viewers.
Milly Lee, executive director of the Colusa County Arts Council, said the organization was proud to host the opening reception and welcome the community into the gallery.
“Social Studies Residency brings all types of artists to visit our small but wondrous county and gives them the space to engage deeply with our community and be in direct conversation with our history, people and landscape,” Lee said. “It is inspiring to see artists and residents connect through art in ways that feel both joyful and meaningful. It is exactly the kind of creative engagement that strengthens rural communities and makes the arts accessible to everyone.”
The “Time + Space” exhibition is on view through March 12, 2026. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. To schedule a visit, email hello@colusa-arts.org or call 530-458-2222.
More information about the residency and participating artists is available at socialstudiesresidency.com.