MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center invites the public to enjoy the opening reception for its new exhibit, “Nature,” on Friday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Middletown Community Farmers Market will also be open at the MAC Art Garden from 5 to 8 p.m.

Since opening in 2015, the MAC has held a companion exhibit to the EcoArts Sculpture Walk in June at the MAC Gallery in the theme of Art in Dialogue with Nature.

This tradition was upheld during the past few years of fire recovery, “holding space” for the Sculpture Walk which reopened at Trailside Park on June 1.

This year's exhibit, “Nature,” includes the work of about 20 Lake County artists.

“We have an intimate relationship with nature here in Lake County and MAC’s artists express a gamut of concerns, admiration, observation and appreciation for the natural world in this new show,” said MAC director and co-curator Lisa Kaplan.

The exhibit features fiber artist Alana Clearlake’s powerful new piece, “Hard Rain.”

Clearlake worked on the 13-panel, 16-foot long piece daily between November and June. It was a labor of deep concern and love of both family and the planet.

“I worry for my children and grandchildren, and regret that my generation did not act quickly enough to make change,” she explained.

The panels depict a progression of climate conditions and intensity. Clearlake’s execution of rain, storm, and sea are both brilliant and dramatic. Her rendering of light and transparency through layering in the opaque medium of felt is striking.

Come see the artwork during the opening reception Friday, June 14, or any Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until mid August.

The 14th annual EcoArts Sculpture Walk, free to the public, will remain on view through October 15.

Middletown Trailside Park is open dawn to dusk daily. Hiking shoes, hats, and water bottles are advised.

Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 State Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29 in the heart of Middletown. Stay up to date on all classes, exhibits and events, and consider a membership to support this valuable Lake County arts and culture resource at www.middletownartcenter.org .