Art should evoke a response, whether it's anger, appreciation, awe or just huh?. That's the idea behind React, a new exhibit at C. Emerson Fine Arts designed to spark a wide range of thoughts and feelings in viewers. The premise has a double meaning in that some of the works on view incorporate materials subjected to natural reactions: Daniel Mrgan's drawings, made by meticulously burning images into wood, depict surreal and whimsical figures; and age and patina bring weighty character to Frank Strunk III's metal sculptures. Also on display are Paula Allen, C. Wade Brickhouse, Denis Gaston, Eva Eun-Sil Han, Lee Lee and Rebecca Sexton Larson. An opening reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., April 4. The exhibit runs through April 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat., C. Emerson Fine Arts, 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-898-6068, c-emersonfinearts.com.
This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2008.