"Keep close to nature’s heart and break clear away, once in a while, …spend a week in the woods, wash your spirit clean.” This quote by John Muir serves as inspiration for Andrea Wilkinson and Christie Coker as they express their love of nature. "Only the Forest Knows…" is a collaborative effort combining Wilkinson’s exquisite sculptural portraits of wild animals with Coker’s textural paintings which are evocative of the environs in which these animals live. In the words of Muir, each artist believes that, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

For this show, Wilkinson has created sculptures inspired by the wild animals that live among us, for animals are highly adaptive in sharing our forested neighborhoods and yards. Even large animals such as deer have learned to make allowances for, and take advantage of, our proximity carrying on with their lives while our lives are enriched by their presence.

Coker’s artwork in this collection is inspired by the beauty found in nature’s offerings. Whether it’s through the inspection of a bird’s nest or gazing at the moon through tree branches, it’s the intricate detail of nature that draws her in and captivates her artistic muse. Her acrylic paintings are on textured surfaces where the creative process includes spontaneous development allowing each painting to simply lead the way on this artistic journey.

The exhibition will be on view through January 5, 2023. The artists will be available to visit with guests during the opening reception.