Visitors are invited to connect with their inner child at Kristen Brown’s exhibit, Play. The subjects in Brown’s artwork include crayons, toys, shoes and other objects and scenarios that are associated with children. The overall theme in this exhibit is the passage of time and how our perception of how we value these objects changes as we mature. By using this imagery, Brown hopes to invoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder within the viewer.  

“This collection of pieces is inspired by the things my kids use to do the most important job they can do - PLAY! This is how they explore the world around them - stretch their bodies, learn how to work with others, and basically figure out how the world operates. I love watching it unfold in front of me. Swings, crayons, dress up shoes, Legos - they are all tools for learning and enjoyment. An underlying theme throughout is the passage of time…baby sandals become big kid gym shoes, Little Tikes swings become spider swings, the toddler slide that was dragged into a little plastic baby pool becomes a lawn chair lounging next to the pool. 

While I was working on this collection, I was brought back to my childhood - Tinker Toys, my Razor scooter, our beloved backyard trampoline, Beanie Babies. As a parent, it is incredibly important to me that my children have an actual childhood like I did - something that seems to be more and more rare and difficult in our modern society. These pieces represent that desire. Whether they make you smile as you think of the things the children in your life have played with or make you nostalgic for your own favorite childhood experiences, I hope the bright colors and fun subjects make you smile…and maybe make you feel like a kid again.”