“This-Worldly” Art exhibitServilio’s artistic mediums on display until Jan. 29

AlmaPerez

The Advocate

This display begs you to look and touch

The MHCC Visual Arts Gallery is presenting “This‑Worldly” by artist Sharon Servilio from Jan. 5 to 29. 

Servilio was born in New Jersey and has lived and worked in Portland, Oregon, since 2020. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and an MFA from American University. She works in painting, drawing and ceramics. 

Her work combines scientific research with multiple artistic mediums to highlight the vibrant natural world people see every day. In an interview with Lauren Rice, Servilio said she draws inspiration from natural processes such as bee navigation, flower pollination and fungal reproduction. She also reads popular science books and peer‑reviewed research to better understand these systems and to create art that is both informative and imaginative. 

“This‑Worldly” features freestanding sculptures, wall sculptures and colored‑pencil pieces. It also includes a Tactile Transmissions display, an interactive installation where visitors can touch and hold art pieces. The display allows people to experience the weight, shape and texture of objects such as beads, clay vessels, cloth and figurines. The tactile element helps the artist connect with a broader audience and introduces visitors to new ways of experiencing art. 

Learn more about Servilio’s work at sharonservilio.com. 

A full interview of Servilio with Lauren Rice is available at takethemantel.com.