The Maude Kerns Art Center is currently hosting two concurrent exhibitions, "Witness: Earth & Sky" and "Consume & Dispose," curated by Liberty Rossel. The shows feature the work of four artists—Rich Bergeman, Amanda Thomas, Rolf Huber, and Jennifer Bucheit—whose practices converge on themes of environmental stewardship, colonial history, and social justice. From Bergeman’s infrared photography documenting indigenous Kalapuya lands to Thomas’s use of toxic mine drainage in her ceramic glazes, the works utilize specific materials and historical research to challenge viewers' perceptions of the landscape and industrial impact.
These exhibitions highlight the role of regional non-profit art centers in fostering dialogue around urgent global issues through localized lenses. By showcasing artists who bridge the gap between activism and aesthetics—such as Huber’s assemblages addressing child labor and Thomas’s documentation of abandoned mines—the center demonstrates how contemporary art serves as a tool for environmental and social advocacy. The curation emphasizes the "storytelling" power of art, transforming a former church space into a platform for modern ethical inquiry.