Bellepoque, shorthand for La Belle Epoque, or “the beautiful age,” describes the period of 1890 – 1914. A golden era, gilded even, in retrospect; a time of peace and prosperity between wars. It was a time of innovation, of railway barons and railroad workers, of the Parisian can-can dancers of the Moulin Rouge, haute couture, and orchids grown under glass. Philosophers examined the ego, artists expressed symbolist visions and exposed societal illness in the face of the Fin de siècle, fearing and welcoming the approaching 20th century. In his book A Nervous Splendor: Vienna 1888-1889 Frederic Morton tells the history where, in the span of only ten months, "the Western dream started to go wrong." ...

The exhibition Bellèpoque, uses that rich and turbulent period in history as a jumping-off point to present themes of escapism, constructed realities, materials, and waste, and explore the relationship between beauty, decay, opulence, loss, and sometimes catastrophic change.

— Kathy Weinberg

Artists in the show:

Adriane Herman

Brian Smith

Eva Goetz

Gabriel Frey

Greg Shattenberg

Holden Willard

Ian Factor

Ian Trask

Jocelyn Lee

Jimmy Viera

Karen Jelenfy

Kathy Weinberg

Pamela Moulton

Virginia Valdes