From January 2 until February 24, the Clyde and Mary Harris Gallery will feature selected works by Matthew Pierce, who graduated from WWU in 1989 and is a former WWU professor. 

Pierce’s show, titled ‘The Winter Abstracts,’ explores the boundaries of nonfigurative painting by leveraging composition, color interactions, and texture within a linear structure of horizons. His experience in the visual arts includes work as an art director, graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer. Since 2012 he has focused his artistic expression as an art professor and working studio artist. 

Pierce finds most of his inspiration from where he lives, the local landscape and farming community of the Walla Walla Valley. His contemporary approach to oil painting shows a playful exuberance in application of paint and color. 

The gallery is open to the public Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–5 p.m. Fridays, it is open 8 a.m.–12 p.m. or by appointment. On February 23, from 6–7 p.m., there will be a closing reception and artist talk to conclude the exhibition.  

The Clyde and Mary Harris Gallery is located in the Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center at 200 S. College Ave., College Place.

Posted Jan. 24, 2023