Meris Drew, inks lake, 2022. Courtesy of Stellarhighway.
Summer Solstice 2025
HOLD ON TO THIS INSTEAD
June 20 — June 22, 2025
Opening Reception | Friday, June 20th 6 — 11pm
Open Hours | Saturday, June 21st 12 — 5pm
Open Hours | Sunday, June 22nd 12 — 5pm
ticketed admission for the opening reception & weekend open hours
COMPANION is pleased to announce Hold On To This Instead, a group exhibition celebrating the 2025 summer solstice with ten contemporary, midwestern artists: Aleyah Austin, Stephanie Barlow, Kelsey Blacklock, Landon Caldwell, Meris Drew, Ryan Freund, Rob Funkhouser, Julian Jamaal Jones, Casey Roberts, and Shamira.
Presented off-site, verdant gardens and intimate cottage spaces host sculpture, painting, drawing, ceramic, quilt, and sound works that emphasize the importance of attending to what is elemental and available around us all. Together for the first time, the artists’ traditional forms and materials make way for present-day contemplations on communing with one another and the lands and skies we share. Whether immediately observable or more conceptually explored, their works reconsider where to hone and release focus.
The intimate residential setting is owned by neighbors who are transforming the 1885 cottage, grounds, and farmstead into an artist and writers residency. Hold On To This Instead is the first public activation of the property and the second group exhibition presented by COMPANION celebrating the summer solstice.