Symbiosis: Amber Andersen & Joshua Cook

Opening reception: Friday, August 7, 6-9pm during First Friday Gallery Walk - on display through Saturday, August 29 Symbiosis Two artistic processes combine into one shared vision. Sculptures built from recycled materials meet paintings rendered in bold, vivid color. Together, they invite viewers to reconnect with the natural world and with the small creatures that sustain it. This body of work is about noticing. About looking closely at what is often forgotten, misunderstood, or overlooked, and having a deep appreciation for the smallest creatures, with the biggest impact Amber Andersen is a multidisciplinary artist based in Woodward, Oklahoma, whose vibrant and intricate work captures the untamed beauty of dense overgrowth, wildlife, and critters. Her art, rich in color and meticulous detail, invites viewers into an elaborate game of I-spy, evoking a sense of childlike curiosity and wonder. Through her creations, Amber explores themes of tragedy and overcoming loss, uncovering beauty amidst life's challenges. She is currently making her mark as a muralist and watercolorist, blending her unique vision with public and personal spaces. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Joshua started sculpting with recycled metal, wood, and whatever else he could get his hands on in 2013, while studying art at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Since then, he has exhibited at shows and festivals locally and in other states. The subject matter of his sculptures is primarily animals (particularly insects), but plants and even mythical creatures make an appearance. Joshua creates his sculptures without welding, instead using glues, epoxies, tension, and bolts. They are then hand-painted to mimic the subject’s natural coloring, but with a metallic twist.